Class-less Indian classicals came to life at Elephanta Fest 2008

Mumbai, Feb 16 (UNI) The two-day Elephanta Festival 2008 started with the beats of classical tabla meastro Ustad Zakir Hussain and a mesmerising performance by Padamshri Kuchipudi Performer Dr Ananda Shankar Jayant.

The Elephanta island, famous for caves, once again breathed the life of Indian classical music and dance, when two maestros put together their divine rhythmic amalgamation of rich art and culture of India.

It was a cherished moment on the island, originally known as Gharapuri -- Island of Elephants--for the audience, including dignitaries of the state, foreign tourists and the natives.

In an open-air theatre under the canopy of a Banyan tree, which seemed to be the only witness of that era when those beautiful arts were being carved out of megaliths depicting peace, love and vigour altogether, the Kuchipudi performer Dr Jayanta presented an unprecedented non-stop dance performance for more than an hour.

Beats of Mridangam, Flute, Violin and classical vocal, all synchronised together with the movements of her feet, palm and the expressive eyes, which were amazing blend of the arts. With her expressions and body movements, Dr Jayanta depicted divine stories based on Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna and the Mother Goddess--Durga.

She also performed the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu and ''Mahesamurti'' -- Shiva having three faces representing the three aspects of creation, protection and destruction of life on earth in the Hindu mythology.

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