Mahanatam | Raja Radha Reddy Troupe at Parampara Series 2020 | Kuchipudi dance | Full Concert

For the finale of #paramparaseries, we showcase "Mahanatam"- Kuchipudi dance drama performed by the Raja Radha Reddy Troupe and choreographed & produced by the legendary Kuchipudi artistes Padma Bhushan Gurus Raja Radha Reddy.

"Mahanatam" is an ode to an era when the celestial dances of Hara (Lord Shiva or Nataraja) and Parvati the artificer duo of the Universe mesmerized the sagacious connoisseurs. He is the creator of the majestic Tandavam (masculine dance) and lyrical Lasyam (feminine dance) that are an integral part of all creatures of the universe.

The music for this production is apostrophic and descriptive. The dancers depict the creation of Lasya and Tandava and its infusion into the creatures. They conclude with an intricate rhythmic piece that defines five rhythmic sub-divisions (jaatis) that sprang from the feet of Lord Shiva, giving an electrifying climax to "Mahanatam".

This performance footage is of the performance by Raja Radha Reddy Troupe originally for Parampara Series in New Delhi.

Tune in for more performances by the legends and maestros of Indian classical dance & music on YouTube channels of Raja Radha Reddy & United Nations India

About Parampara Series:
The 24th Parampara Series – the national festival of music and dance – organised by Raja Radha Reddy and Natya Tarangini is partnering with the United Nations India to showcase India’s rich classical dance and music as mediums of cultural communication and spiritual healing - bringing people together and spreading the message of hope, harmony and solidarity.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the United Nations and 24th anniversary for the Parampara Series. This milestone comes at a time of great disruption for the world, compounded by an unprecedented global health crisis with severe economic and social impacts.

The virtual festival will re-telecast Natya Tarangini’s archives of the past 23 years of the Series featuring India’s legendary maestros of classical dance and music, including Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vidushi Kishori Amonkar, Pandit Kelucharan Mohapatra, Dr L Subramaniam, Ms Vyjanthimala Bali, Drs. Raja Radha Reddy, to name a few.

#UN75