Posted on 20 December 2025:
Arangettam of Jahnavi Mohanty and Anushka Mena at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra, Guwahati
On 19 December 2025, the prestigious Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra in Guwahati became the stage for a memorable evening of dance and devotion.
The hall resonated with grace as young talented artists Jahnavi Mohanty and Anushka Mena presented their arangettam, marking a significant milestone in their artistic journey. Both are disciples of the renowned Guru Namrata Tiwari Talukdar, whose lineage traces back to the legendary Rukmini Devi Arundale, a name synonymous with the revival of Bharatanatyam.
The performance began with a soulful Pushpanjali, an offering of flowers and salutations to the divine, the Guru and the audience. It was an auspicious opening, filled with reverence and gratitude.
The stage then welcomed Thodaya Mangalam, with songs of Annamacharya and Vijaya Gopala, carrying warmth and joy in every note. This was followed by the expressive Ardhanareeshwara, portraying the union of Shiva and Shakti with devotion and surrender. The dancers infused love and bhakti into every movement, bringing alive the eternal verses of Jayadeva’s Gita Govindam through the Ashtapadi, where each gesture became poetry and each expression mirrored eternal longing.
The evening blossomed with “Thumak Chalata”, the timeless bhajan of Tulsidas. Its joyous rhythm celebrated tradition and strength, leaving the audience touched by beauty, faith and radiance.
Jahnavi Mohanty – A Journey of Grace and Balance
At just 17, Jahnavi Mohanty embodies confidence and curiosity, admired for her creative and thoughtful spirit. Beginning her Bharatanatyam journey at the age of five, years of dedicated training have nurtured her deep bond with the art’s discipline and grace. A Class 11 Science student at NPS International School, she balances academics with her passion for dance, while also exploring psychology, photography and fitness—shaping a life where learning and artistry walk hand in hand.
Anushka Mena – Grace in Quiet Confidence
At 16, Anushka Mena shines with sincerity and imagination, admired for her calm yet bold spirit. A Class 11 Commerce student at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Khanapara, she balances academics with her deep passion for Bharatanatyam, nurtured since the age of seven. Thoughtful and creative, Anushka lets her artistry flow beyond the stage—whether through cooking, painting or exploring new places—embracing each experience with curiosity and devotion.
Guru’s Blessing
“Their Arangetram stands as a testament to dedication, love for learning, and an artistic journey rooted in tradition yet driven by passion. For Jahnavi and Anushka, this debut was not merely a performance—it was a celebration of heritage, artistry and spiritual depth. As their Guru, I see in them the promise of a future where Bharatanatyam continues to bloom with grace and meaning.” – Guru Namrata Tiwari Talukdar
With grace and discipline, they carried tradition, leaving the audience in devotion.
