“India, the land of cultural diversities,
both aesthetically pleasing and
intellectually nurturing.
Underneath this diversity lies the continuity of
Indian civilization and social structure.
Soorya is a catalogue of everything Indian.
Dances, Music, Literature, Theatre,
Cinema and Tradition.”
(Video courtesy gspravi)
That was a Promo video for the Soorya India Festival.( I get goose-bumps every-time I watch that)
Founded by Nataraja Krishnamoorthy(a.k.a Soorya Krishnamoorthy), Soorya is a non-profit, non-commercial voluntary organization that aims at achieving Intergration through Culture.
Soorya has brought various kinds of programs involving different forms of dance, ranging from Kathak to Kuchipudi and musical instruments like the violin and the saxophone. Jugalbandis, dance dramas and play have been highlights of Soorya programs.
Over the past couple of years I’ve had to miss quite a few of these programs, mostly because I wasn’t around much. But, I have to say, I’ve witnessed performances from the finest artists in India, only, thanks to Soorya. I got to watch Ayaan and Amaan Ali Bangash play the sarod.
Bharathnatyam recitals by the Dhananjayans duo.
And kathak performance by Rajendra Gangani, to name a few of my favorites. One of the best things about going for a Soorya program is that usually audience consists of people who really appreciate these art forms. Invites to these programs specifically mention that children below the age of 10years are not allowed (arrangements are made for kids outside if required). Since its a non-profit organization one must realise that the artists that perform are not paid any amount for these performances. What they do not get in cash, they get in kind, from the audience. Except the on-going applause and the hoos-haas of appreciations, there is usually pin drop silence during performances.
Today I got to go for yet another Soorya program. The first half of the program was a jugalbandi of the saxophone (by Kadri Gopalnath), thakil (by Karunamurthy) and violin(Kanyakumari). Each instrument complementing the other, it was a thorough treat for the ears. But I think I would have enjoyed it more if I knew more about the various ragas and talas.
This was followed by a dance ensemble in Odissi, one of the most graceful dance forms, by Meera Das and Group. They started off with a small composition on Soorya (the Sun). Then they went on to do a piece depicting the various poses of goddesses (playing different musical instruments like the veena, mridangam, flute,etc) that one sees in temples. This was followed by Dashavatar( the 10 avatars of Lord Vishnu). And finally, Moksha (salvation), depecting the dancers trying to attain Moksha through their dance.
I must say these programs are worth every bit of one’s time. Soorya has its chapters in most parts of Europe, the Middle-east and South-east Asia. Given a chance, and if you are interested, this is something you should not miss out on !
12 comments
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May 11, 2007 at 1:39 pm
Shilpa
Hi frnd,
I came across your blog by chance, as I was searching for something on Indian festival, and you had a very good piece of information. All the credits goes to you for promoting such kind of thing.
I’m a writer myself, though of a different kind. Do get in touch if you feel like it.
Shilpa
shilpadeep@gmail.com
May 11, 2007 at 9:33 pm
earthpal
Great post Flowerchild! I loved that little video. Thanks. What a vibrant and wonderful culture.
And in Europe we have…..The bloody Eurovision song contest!! 😕
May 13, 2007 at 8:01 am
flowerchild
Whats the Eurovision contest all about?
May 13, 2007 at 4:53 pm
earthpal
It’s an annual music competition between European countries and the music is nearly always poor.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurovision_Song_Contest
May 14, 2007 at 11:12 am
bendtherulz
Thats a nice informative pc which you have written – I checked their websites…they have not updated for sometime….lol…- I understand what you mean when you say – you wish you are more aware of Raag and Taal -I love sufi music and have been seraching for a guru to teach me some nuances…not for professional usage – just to understand lil bit more deeply.
I agree that video was good !
May 14, 2007 at 6:16 pm
flowerchild
I did learn indian classical when I was a kid and it was a total waste. Didn’t really understand anything and don’t remember anything either ! Haven’t really got a chance to explore sufi music. Know anywhere I could listen to stuff online?
May 14, 2007 at 7:18 pm
bendtherulz
go to eMusic – I think you can listen as well as download – Abida Parveen is the sufi singer – you can check some of her famous songs – like Chaap tilak/ Dama dum mast kalandar…and then if you like then you can listen to Amir Khusrow’s poems rendered by her/ or Bhulla Shah poems…etc…etc…I
Then there are many other singers…as well….! Music has strong flavor so beware….!!
Enjoy 🙂
May 14, 2007 at 7:20 pm
flowerchild
Ahh I’ve heard of Abida Parveen, think my Uncle listen’s to her stuff ! Will check it out. Thanks 😀
August 7, 2007 at 7:43 pm
Katariya
Surya Festival ! Its great!!! Thanks to posting..
October 12, 2007 at 12:48 am
hari
great video and great song….
does any one here know the name of the song in the promo???.. any site i can download it from??
November 5, 2007 at 10:31 pm
DailyGuyFromHell
Stumbled upon your blog a week ago and decided to come back. Not for the articles you write, but for how you write them, really amazing stuff you’re doing here, i like how you put information into the articles which makes it much more easier to read and much more interesting of course. Keep up the good work!
July 18, 2009 at 7:54 pm
nushadkhalid
i love this music and prgrame pls can i get nly the them audio please