Chokamela | Odissi | Jhelum Paranjape | Marathi | Aruna Dhere | Rupali Desai | Kalamanjiri

This was performed at the festival Kalamanjiri, hosted by Kathak dancer Rupali Desai, on 21st february, 2021. When the lockdown was relaxed a bit, and auditoriums opened to 50% capacity, Rupali dared do this festival.

Odissi choreographed to a marathi abhang.
I read the book "Mahadwar" by Aruna Dhere, and this is an inspiration from the book.
This is a piece based on abhangs by saint poet Chokha Mela of Maharashtra. Being of the "so called" low caste, he cannot enter the temple of his beloved Lord Vitthal (Krishna). He knows this, but begs the Brahmins to let him clean the temple premises, promising that he will never step inside. While cleaning he sings his lord's praises and becomes popular among all devotees. They all flock around him. The brahmins detest him for this. They mercilessly beat him and throw him into the river to die. But Chokha swims to the other side, stays alive for his lord. The lord beckons him, opens the doors of the temple and hugs the bewildered Chokha. Chokha falls at his lord's feet, drenched in bhakti and tears.

Music composition and Vocal : Manoj Desai
Mardal : Rohan Dahale
Sitar : Aparna Deodhar
Flute : Niranajan Sinha

Choreography and presentation : Jhelum Paranjape
Credit : Rupali Desai