In a cultural spectacle that resonated across Maharashtra, 1188 Kathak dancers from 20 cities embarked on a mesmerizing journey to set a record in the Limca Book of Records. The grand “Nrityachakra” event unfolded on February 25 at Maharashtriya Mandal’s Chandrasekhar Agashe College Grounds in Pune, the cultural heart of Maharashtra.
The visionary behind this mystical gathering was Jyoti Mansukhani, and the event took shape under the guidance of renowned Kathak danceuse Asmita Thakur. With participants spanning various age groups, this ambitious attempt drew support from the history and tradition of Kathak dance, reflecting its evolution through Vedic, courtly, and modern periods.
Ninad Deshmukh and Abhay Thakar, Gazetted officers, served as verifiers, ensuring the authenticity of the record, while Dr. Santosh Gosavi and Vijaya Joshi, Principal of DES school, stood as witnesses, validating the historic gathering.
Amod Kulkarni, a master of music composition, crafted special pieces for this monumental event. The Kathak gurus of Maharashtra, renowned for their expertise, lent their support to make this endeavor a celebration of dance, culture, and unity.
The program unfolded with dancers aged 18 to 62 gracefully presenting various Kathak compositions, including Meera Bhajan, Tarana, Kalbhairvashtakam, and Devi Drupada. The dancers, guided by excellence, discipline, and self-indulgence, wove together an energy that seemed to awaken Nateswara himself.
Tejaswini Sathe, Dr. Madhuri Apte, and Rasika Gumaste played pivotal roles in organizing this grand event, ensuring its seamless execution and capturing the essence of Maharashtra’s rich cultural heritage.
