Kazakhstan and India celebrate 15 years of relations in Bharatanatyam style

On the 15th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Republic of India, a special function was held in the Capital on Monday, the highlight of which was a Bharatanatyam performance by Kazakh dancers.

New Delhi, Oct. 15 : On the 15th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Republic of India, a special function was held in the Capital on Monday, the highlight of which was a Bharatanatyam performance by Kazakh dancers.

Organised jointly by the Centre of Indian Classical Dance in Kazakhstan and the Delhi Karnataka Sangha to mark the 15th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations between the two countries, the programme held at the Karanaka Sangha Auditorium at Rao Tularam Marg presented dances in authentic Bharatanayam style by the Kazakh dancers.

The Ambassador of Kazakhstan, Kairat E. Umarov, who inaugurated the cultural evening spoke of the centuries old relationships between India and Kazakhstan, even though the diplomatic relations were established only a-decade-and-half ago.

Umarov said that he looked forward to Indian dance becoming popular in his country in the coming years.

The authentic Bharatanatyam performance was led by Ms.Akmaral Kainazarova, an alumni of Kalakshetra, who studied classical Bharatanatyam for five years at the Kalakheshtra as an ICCR scholar. She was accompanied by over a dozen Kazakh dancers from the Kalak centre of Indian Classical dance.

While the main items were authentic Bharatanatyam items like Alaripu, Jatis Swaram, and Tillana, the performance also included Kazak folk songs like "Gul Dauren" (Life is a flower), "Tuyak bi", a Kazakh dance with the hooves, and "In harmony of Kazakh" in the Indian Bharatnatyam style.

Besides, many Indian forms like "Giddha" and "Bhangra" from Punjab and folk dances from Karnataka were part of the performance.

The Centre for Indian Classical Dance was officially inaugurated in the Almaty (Kazakhstan) in April, 2006.

A unique institution founded in the region of Central Asia aims to strengthening cultural and spiritual ties between Kazakhstan and India, promoting mutual understanding and harmony through the art of Indian classical dance.

Air Astana and Nayak Aviation Services which promote travel between the two countries, were co-sponsors of the function.

ANI