Gitanjali Dasi (left), participants performing at the event (right).

ISKCON Nairobi – The Bhaktivedanta Nritya Academy, under the guidance of Gitanjali Parida and Sandhya Iyer, recently showcased an enthralling dance drama inspired by the epic saga, “Ramayana,” on the 7th of October, 2023. The play also served as a fundraiser for Mwingi School in Kenya, which seeks to improve educational opportunities for underprivileged children in the community.

With its eloquent choreography synchronized with enchanting melodies, the dance-drama format transcended linguistic barriers. Gitanjali elucidated, “Dance-drama is a simple-to-understand format where dance gestures are set to captivating music. The endeavor has been to take Ram Katha to the audience in a format without a language barrier. The inspiration behind our dance dramas has always been Srila Prabhupada and his encouragement to take stories through dance and drama to people.”

The evening unfolded with a mesmerizing display of talent by the participants. The performers carried the weight of responsibility on their shoulders, diligently ensuring the faithful portrayal of the emotions and sentiments of the revered characters from the epic. Gitanjali continued, “The mood of Ramayana and Ram Katha lasted through the practice and the rehearsals as they had to soak in the story to bring out different emotions that connected with the audience. It was a journey where they learned to express different expressions through the art of Bharatanatyam.”

The devotees’ collaborative spirit manifested splendidly in the intricate coordination of various aspects of the event, ranging from the meticulous tailoring of costumes to the artful application of makeup. Furthermore, the event’s promotion, spanning digital and physical domains, was executed with unwavering dedication and diligence.

The response received by ISKCON was amazing. They plan to come with more such events in the future. They intend to disseminate the spiritual essence of the scriptures to a broader audience through the divine medium of Bharatanatyam and dance drama. 

Gitanjali Parida concluded, “To spread our spiritual stories through dance to the younger generation has been the aim behind Bhaktivedanta Nritya Academy, and my expectations and prayers will be to serve Krishna through this medium and bring more and more youngsters to hear and learn the teachings of Srila Prabhupada and Lord Krishna.”

To learn more about ISKCON Nairobi and its activities, visit their official website.

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