Dancing bells tell story of Hanuman

Thousands of ghungroos (dancing bells) resonated within the walls of Naparima Bowl as some 80 dancers told the story of Hanuman through dance. It was the annual dance drama of Sandra Sookdeo and disciples during the presentation of Raama Bhakta Hanuman.  Referred to as the monkey God, Hanuman the greatest devotee of the Hindu God Sri Raam, was brought to life through various classical and folk dances at the packed Bowl on April 7.

 

 

The chiming of the ghungroos accentuated the rhythmic movements of dozens of “little monkey friends” of Hanuman. The three-hour dance drama started with the Odissi recital that included beginner dancers in Ganesh Vandana. It continued with colourful dances, including the Battu (pure dance), Basant Pallavi, Saveri Pallavi, Shri Ram Stuti and Moksha. The first half ended with dancers taking the microphone to sing Professor Hari Shankar’s Raag Bilaawal, as taught by senior dancer and music student Garima Sahatoo. 

 

 

Senior dancers and some of their parents doubled up as singers and musicians to present live music for other dancers. The event was family-oriented, with parents from various professions assisting in stage management, lighting, set design, ushers, décor and cafeteria. The second half of the show transported the audience to the time when Sri Raam was sent to exile for 14 years and his meeting with Hanuman. It continued with the abduction of the goddess Sita and her meeting with Hanuman. In the court of the evil king Ravan, Hanuman created havoc to protest the abduction of Mother Seeta. For his unparalleled devotion to God, Hanuman was immortalised in the 40-verse Hanuman Chalisa and the Hanuman Ashtak, which were danced for the first time at the Naparima Bowl.