Hyderabad, 30th March 2024: The 3-day music and dance extravaganza, the signature festival, ‘Ramayana Kalpavrksam’, began today at the CCRT Campus, Hyderabad. Chief Guest Sri Sri Sri Tridandi Srimannarayana Ramanuja Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji, inaugurated the festival. Celebrated Classical dancer, scholar, speaker and writer, Ananda Shankar Jayant, IIRTS (Retd.), Padmashrii and SNA Awardee; in association with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, Shankarananda Kalakshetra Natyarambha and Brhat; is hosting the signature festival.
The festival presents a visual treat with a stellar lineup of events that include a galaxy of renowned artists and speakers from across the country, with something for all ages. It includes scintillating performances, ranging from the classical to the popular; thought-provoking talks and discussions, immersive arts workshops in dance ideation, Sanskrit, and digital arts, Book release, Artisans Corner, meet the Legend, and a plethora of other special features.
Sri Sri Sri Tridandi Srimannarayana Ramanuja Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji, said, that this year is really unique, as Lord Rama after several centuries came back to his abode, the whole world is celebrating this divine event. In Tretha yuga when Rama came back to his kingdom, people celebrated it. But his return this time is unique because no person dared to invite him to his own place, but our beloved Prime Minister, brought Rama back with a favorable legal outcome and constructed a grand temple. Therefore this year is historic as its rejuvenates the Bharat atma and Bharat Culture. Now that Rama has returned, it’s our responsibility to know more, talk more about Rama, sing the glories of Rama and share all the virtues he valued and represented. Therefore performing Ramayana Kalpavrksam is so very apt today. Ramayana happened 1.7 million years ago as per our scriptures, but we still discuss Rama, because we never consider Rama to be someone else, we consider him someone dear to us. Rama was a real human being in his avatar, Valmiki never thought of Rama as a god, he was god prior to and after his avatar. He lived his life on earth as a human being and that is the reason we worship him even today. If we lead a life like a real human being we will be worshiped even by devatas. Rama didn’t ask for a temple for himself, we built it to gain the spirit and values he embodied. Rama is considered Adarsha Purshotama, and Rama and Ramayana are the personas we aspire to emulate.
Ananda Shankar Jayant speaking on the occasion said the three-day Ramayana Kalpavrksam festival has something for everyone and every age group. It activates the Sree Rama Chetana and an yearning to go back to our roots of knowledge and wisdom. Sree Rama and the story of the Ramayana is a story which transcends age and time. Sree rama has been precious to us for millennia. We are happiest telling and retelling the story of Ramayana, as story tellers, performers, listeners, and viewers. It continues to inspire scholars, artists across centuries. After the stupendous success of last year’s festival and popular demand, we are excited to bring back to you Ramayana Kalpavrksam, this year.
Chitra Visveswaran, Indian Bharata Natyam dancer & Chidambaram Academy of Performing Arts, Chennai; said, the Ramayana will ever remain green, may the next generation seek through it and receive through it the tenets of Bhakti which hold together the fabric of Bharatiya Sanskriti.
Ms Suchitra Yella, CEO, of Bharat Biotech, said, the music and art forms of India are very dear and close to my heart, thanks to my parents who instilled those value systems in us when we were very young.
On day one, today, the festival witnessed a dance choreographed by Ananda Shankar Jayant, Sri Rama Namam – Entha Ruchi Ra and A Civilisation Rises Again – Ayodhya, a Ground Report talk by Swati Goel Sharma.
The festival has a wide bouquet of performances talks and workshops with something for everyone, over the next two days. A Kala Grama – artisans market with rare cultural products will also be functional during the festival.
