‘Kathak Gatha by Meghranjani Medhi’

A celebration of the divine, the classical, and the poetic, this Kathak recital by Meghranjani Medhi unfolds in three distinct movements, each rooted in tradition, yet alive with personal expression. The evening opens with ‘Bhagavati Vandana’, a powerful invocation to Maa Bhagawati, the fierce yet compassionate embodiment of Shakti. Set to the rhythmic cycles of Kaharwa and Teentaal, it draws from the Devi Mahatmya, depicting Durga’s triumph over Mahishasura through the expressive language of Kathak. 

In ‘Paramparik Kathak Gatha’, the heart of the performance, Meghranjani explores the elegance and complexity of the Lucknow Gharana. Beginning with Vilambit Teentaal – featuring Thaat, Uthaan, Aamad, and the iconic Adai Andaz – she transitions to Madhyalaya with Tukras, Parans, and intricate footwork. The sequence culminates in a Drutlaya finale of rapid spins, tihais, graceful gats, and dynamic movement – showcasing technical mastery and artistic finesse.  

The recital concludes with an abhinaya piece that beautifully weaves together two cultural threads – one from the heart of Braj, and the other from the soul of Assam. Inspired by a beloved episode from the life of Lord Krishna – his playful butter-stealing leela and innocent denial before mother Yashoda – this piece draws from the soulful Hindi bhajan of Surdas, Maiyya Mori Main Nahin Makhan Khayo. Interestingly, the same leela finds an echo in Assamese folk culture, where a traditional devotional song portrays Krishna, accused of mischief, tied by his mother, yet silently enduring with divine innocence. Blending the bhakti rasa of Braj with the devotional essence of Assam, this presentation is both a tribute to the artist’s roots and a celebration of India’s shared spiritual heritage. 
 
An accomplished Kathak exponent from the Lucknow Gharana, Meghranjani has performed on prestigious stages across the world and trained under her mother and guru, the internationally acclaimed Marami Medhi, as well as Padma Vibhushan Pt. Birju Maharaj – carrying forward a legacy of grace, precision, and storytelling. Meghranjani is a recipient of the prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, Government of India (2023), and is the first artist from the Northeast to receive this award in the field of Kathak. She is also the recipient of the National Award Kala Sadhak from the Art of Living, conferred by revered Guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Accompanied by an ensemble of master musicians, she presents a performance that is both a tribute to tradition and a reflection of her evolving journey as an artist. 

This performance is supported by Reliance Foundation.