Parikramma, a mega festival of classical dance is back in the city for the sixth consecutive year. Starting from September 19, this event has been organised by Kalavardhini Charitable Trust. The festival was first organised to celebrate the 60th birthday of the renowned Bharata Natyam dancer and scholar, Dr Sucheta Chapekar — its founder-mentor. The dance festival brings together veteran dancers and musicians. It also generates new thought processes, debates and introspection about dance by way of symposiums.

Combination
Arundhati Patwardhan, organiser and also one of the participating dancers says, “This year, there will be a combination of young as well as senior artistes performing at the festival. A special session, titled Samvaad, will make its debut, where scholars from the field of Classical dance will share their thoughts on dance.”

Schedule
Parikramma’s inaugural day will begin with a special programme, titled Arghyam, where Vrushali Chitaley will perform Nritya Ganga. It will be followed by Abhivyakti comprising a Bharata Natyam performance by Pavitra Bhat and Manipuri dance by Darshana Jhaveri and her troupe. Second day will begin with a special Bharata Natyam performance choreographed by Patwardhan. Subsequently, there would be a Mridanga Sankirtan by Pt Suresh Talwalkar, he will be accompanied by his disciples Govind Bhilare and Omkar Dalvi. The second day ends with a performance by Chapekar, where she will perform Nritya Ganga. Chapekar will also act as the convenor for Samvad on the final day of the festival, which will feature experts like Leela Venkatraman, Jhaveri, and B Bhanumati from Bangalore.