Kathak legend Birju Maharaj enthralls the audience at Ravenshaw University in Cuttack. Picture by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, May 24: The inaugural function of the national convention of Society for Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth (Spicmacay) got off to a colourful start with Kathak exponent Brijmohan Nath Mishra, popularly known as Pandit Birju Maharaj, entertaining a packed audience for more than 45 minutes here at Ravenshaw University yesterday.

The legendary dancer, who belongs to the Lucknow gharana (school) of Kathak, mesmerised the audience with a rendition of Krishna-Radha leela, which involved intricate footwork, chants and abhinaya (emoting).

In the opening sequence, Pandit Birju Maharaj presented the history of Kathak in the form of dance.

His troupe showed how Kathak traces its origins to the nomadic bards of ancient north India, known as kathaks or storytellers.

It included mythological stories and recitals that involve a combination of gestures of the hand and facial expressions.

Later, with the development of musical instruments and change of ruling dynasties, the dance form kept taking new forms and gradually reached its current structure.

It was a treat for dance and music lovers to experience the performance by Birju Maharaj, who once again proved his agility with some fast rhythmic footwork in a jugalbandi with Hindustani percussion instruments, including tabla and pakhawaj.

The composition based on the mythological tale of Lord Krishna and his mother titled “Main nahi makhan khayo” performed by the maestro was greatly appreciated by the audience.

“I had specially come to witness legendary gurus, including Pandit Birju Maharajji, perform at the 26th National Spicmacay convention. Being a volunteer, it gives me immense satisfaction to be part of the organisation that is working to promote Indian culture among the youth of the country,” said Deepak Badal, a participant from Rajasthan.

Besides this, two disciples of Birju Maharaj also left the audience spellbound with a duet composition “sargam”, that showcased a rhythmic pattern of feet in a series of items like various movements of birds and then an interaction between two friends.

Around 1,500 delegates from across the country and a few from abroad are attending the annual Spicmacay convention being held for the first time in the state.

Earlier, noted Odissi musician and vocalist guru Ramhari Das weaved magic with the invocatory prayer “Jay Jagannath Swami, nayan path gami”.

The cultural evening ended with Vidushi Girika Devi of the Banaras gharana performing a vocal rendition of classical and semi-classical music.

“We hardly get a chance to witness performances by legends who inspire thousands of music lovers across the world. This is a unique opportunity for us and we are looking forward to hear some fine Indian classical music from the maestros,” said Shweta Das, a student.