Experience the Magic of ‘Dan Keli Kaumudi’: Pune’s Devotional Sanskrit Dance Drama Premiering on August 25th for Sanskrit Day and Janmashtami

PUNE: On the eve of Janmashtami, Pune’s cultural enthusiasts are set to experience a unique blend of South Indian music, Hindustani music, and Bharatanatyam traditions being presented as a dance drama in Sanskrit ‘Dan Keli Kaumudi’. To mark the occasion of the Sanskrit Day and the Janmashtmi, Shri Shri Radha Madhav Classical Fine Arts & NupurNaad Music and Dance Academy will present the premiere of this unique Dance Drama in Sanskrit on Sunday, August 25, at 5:00 pm at the Tilak Smarak Mandir, Tilak Road, Pune. Entry to the program is free for all on a first-come, first-served basis.

Dr. Swati Daithankar, a renowned Bharatanatyam exponent, known for her research in dance and innovative projects has taken upon the daunting task of presenting the Sanskrit play ‘Dan Keli Kaumudi’ in Bharatanatyam style. The play, written by renowned Acharya Rupa Goswami (1489-1564) of Vrindavan, involves extensive research, choreography, and presentation

‘Dan Keli Kaumudi’ is set in the Dan Ghati area at the base of Govardhan Hill and explores a unique aspect of the relationship between Radha and Krishna, which is presented in an entertaining and classical dance format.

Speaking about the play, Dr. Swati Daithankar said, “Acharya Rupa Goswami of Vrindavan was a disciple and successor of Shri Madhvacharya and Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and is revered as a promoter of devotional rasas. His work, including ‘Dan Keli Kaumudi,’ is a prime example of divine play in literature. For me, adapting his work into a dramatic form, enacting the prime role of the facilitator (sutradhar) while simultaneously dancing and speaking on the lapel mic is a huge challenge in itself. We have carefully crafted the presentation to ensure it appeals to all audiences while preserving the essence of the original script.”

The research, choreography, and presentation of ‘Dan Keli Kaumudi’ has been done by Dr. Swati Daithankar, with music composed by Dr. Dhananjay Daithankar and music coordination by Devadutt Manisha Baji. Nandini Rao Gujar and Meher Parlikar have given their vocal support with Nupur Daithankar as Radha and Kohinoor Darda as Krishna. The performance will also feature twelve dancers from the NupurNaad Institute. Dr. Daithankar also announced that this production will soon be performed nationwide.

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