FLUSHING (TIP): “Fantastic, incredible, dynamic, outstanding, awesome, record-breaking, actually just beyond words.”  The applaud of the standing ovation grew louder and louder each time these words were uttered by the Master of Ceremony Mr. Harbachan Singh to describe the performance of the Kathak dancers at the end of their show by the Kathak group of dancers in Flushing New York at a crowded hall full of people including some from the Chinese community and the White Americans.  The audience was totally mesmerized.

Ms. Malini Shah, President of the Indo-American Arts and Culture Forum, in her welcome speech, informed that this world-renounced team had flown to New York in connection with the 72^ndAnniversary of the India’s independence day celebrations under the auspices of the Indian Council on Cultural Relations and that she was able to get the authorities to give an additional performance on in Queens, New York where there was a heavy concentration of  the Indian Diaspora.

At the behest of Mr. Devendra Vora, INOC, USA Chapter President of Maharashtra and Mr. Piyush Patel, a community leader, astute lovers of the Kathak dance flocked to this rare treat event to watch this ancient fine art performance by such great artists.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Harbachan Singh explained thatKathak is one of the eight major forms of Indian classical dance. The origin of Kathak is traditionally attributed to the traveling bards of ancient northern India known as Kathakars or storytellers. The term Kathak is derived from the Vedic Sanskrit word Katha which means “story”, and Kathaka which means “the one who tells a story”.

He further explained that wandering Kathakars communicated stories from the great epics and ancient mythology through dance, songs and music.  Kathak dancers tell various stories through their hand movements and footwork, but most importantly through their facial expressions.”

Ms. Promela Suri, President of the United Nations SPICE Indian Club observed that for the novice followers of classical dances the introductory instruction served to better understand each movement and realize the sentiments expounded so skillfully and artistically by each dancer.

At the conclusion, a major section of the audience stayed back and comingled with the performers and took pictures with them and complimented them personally.  All nine artists including the renounced musicians were presented with awards.  Mr. Devendra Vorah and Mr. Piyush Patel presented each artist a bouquet of flowers. The Consul General of India was represented by his Head of Chancery, Mr. Jaideep.

(Press Release)