National Level Harikathā competition, lec demo and performances

On the occasion of Kalāgowri Śrāvaṇa Saṁbhrama, Kalāgowri, in collaboration with the Noopura Bhramari IKS Center, celebrated its sixth annual day on August 19th, 2023, at the Kalāgowri Auditorium (4th Floor, Sri Sai Gowri Apartments, No. 29, 2nd Cross, Masti Venkatesha Iyengar Road, Gavipuram Extension, Bangalore 560 019). The day was filled with joy and vibrant cultural expressions, featuring an All India Level Harikathā competition and performances that brought together participants from various backgrounds and age groups.

The celebrations began with a traditional Pancāmṛta Abhiṣeka (ritualistic offering of a mixture of five auspicious substances) to Goddess Kalāgowri, seeking her blessings. This was followed by heartfelt wishes from elders and gurus, as participants, along with their families and friends, joined in the spiritual and cultural festivities. Dr. R. Dattakumar, who provided the event’s introduction, set the tone for the day’s events, which centered around the rich tradition of Harikathā, a classical Indian storytelling tradition intertwined with devotional music.

To raise awareness and support for the art form, The Harikathā competition, one of the main attractions of the day, saw talented artistes from various states and regions of Southern India, performing in multiple languages. Participants ranged across all age groups, highlighting the inclusive nature of the competition. The event kicked off at 10 am and continued until 4:30 pm, with each participant having a 30-minute time slot to present their Harikathā performance. Accompanying the performances were Vid. Sri. Guruswamy on the harmonium and Vid. Sri. Venkatesh on the tabla, whose musical support elevated the overall experience. The competition was judged by a panel of esteemed artists with deep expertise in Harikathā, including Smt. Beluru Vasanthalakshmi, Smt. Rajeshwari, and Sri Girish Ramachandra, who meticulously evaluated the performances based on various artistic and musical criteria.

In the evening, the event continued with a research-based lecture on Bhakti Kathā-Kīrtana by Dr. Manorama BN, the Principal Investigator at the Noopura Bhramari IKS Center. This lecture delved into the history and significance of devotional storytelling and its connection to Indian classical music, enriching the audience’s understanding of the tradition. Following the lecture, the Valedictory function was held, where the Chief Guest, Vid. Sri. Anoor Anantha Krishna Sharma, a senior Sangīta and Mṛdanga Vidwān, presided over the prize distribution ceremony. The chief guest, along with other dignitaries, distributed prizes and certificates to the winners and participants, acknowledging their dedication and talent.

The prize winners were awarded cash prizes of Rs. 8,000/-, 6,000/-, 4,000/-, and 2,000/- for the top four positions, while each of the other participants received a consolation prize of Rs. 1,000/- along with books and certificates as gifts. These prizes not only recognized the performers’ skill but also encouraged further participation and growth in the field of Harikathā.

The evening program concluded with a captivating Harikathā performance by the eminent Vid. Dr. Smt. Beluru Vasanthalakshmi, a senior artist of the Harikathā tradition. Her performance, centered around the theme of Girijā Kalyāṇa, depicted the divine marriage of Goddess Pārvati and Lord Śiva. Through her soulful narration and melodious singing, she provided a fitting end to the day’s celebrations, leaving the audience inspired and deeply connected to the spiritual essence of the tradition.

The sixth annual celebration of Kalāgowri Śrāvaṇa Saṁbhrama was a resounding success, drawing together a community of devotees, artists, and cultural enthusiasts. It was a day of joy, learning, and cultural exchange, where participants not only showcased their artistic talents but also shared in the collective celebration of India’s rich devotional music traditions.

 Live Video stream link of Harikatha Competition – A day long programme with performance, lecture demo and stage programme <https://www.facebook.com/share/v/15fgJYZK9V/> & <https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1B7H45qaND/>