Ākhyāna: Alar Arvind’s Soulful Kathak Solo Illuminates Youth Dance Festival 2025

On 27th August 2025, Medai, Bengaluru, witnessed a luminous evening of classical storytelling with Ākhyāna—a solo Kathak recital by Alar Arvind at the Youth Dance Festival.

A disciple of Guru Vidushi Chitra Arvind, Artistic Director of Rhythmotion, Alar Arvind embodied the essence of ākhyāna—“sacred narration”—through evocative rhythm, devotional poetry and mythic imagery.

Trained in Kathak, Bharatanatyam and Contemporary dance, and already a Doordarshan-graded artist and teacher, she brought to the stage a rare synthesis of precision and grace. Her performance, steeped in sadhana, resonated with youthful energy and timeless devotion, leaving the audience spellbound.

Shankara Mahadev: A Dance of Divine Duality

The evening’s crescendo arrived with Shiva Stuti – Shankara Mahadev, a stirring composition that unveiled both the fierce Tandava and the tender Lasya of Nataraja. Alar Arvind’s Kathak solo became a tapestry of myth and movement, weaving together the descent of the Ganga, the fiery destruction of Tripura, and the salvation of Bhakta Markandeya. Her portrayal of Tripura Dahana—through sweeping chakkars and commanding nritta—evoked the cosmic scale of Shiva’s celestial battle, leaving the audience immersed in rhythm, reverence, and radiant storytelling.

Throughout the recital, Alar Arvind’s mastery of rhythm—reflected in her assured tukdas and resonant parans—wove seamlessly into her expressive storytelling.

Each movement was elevated by the live compositions of Vidwan Sri Shankar Shanbhogue, whose music lent the performance a rich interplay of classical precision and dramatic texture.

Guru Chitra Arvind’s choreography anchored the evening with its architectural clarity and emotive finesse, crafting a performance that was both technically luminous and deeply felt.

The performance opened with a tranquil invocation to Saraswati—“Ya Kundendu Tushara Hara Dhavalaa”—gracefully rendered by Alar Arvind, setting a tone of sanctity and reverence.

This was followed by Jai Ganesh, a spirited composition that blended rhythmic vitality with expressive storytelling. Through crisp footwork and subtle abhinaya, Alar brought to life the tale of young Ganesha thwarting Ravana’s quest for the Atma Linga.

Performed on Ganesh Chaturthi, the piece resonated deeply with the audience, earning heartfelt appreciation.

Invocations and Emotions: From Divine Beginnings to Radha’s Longing

In Haririha Mugdha Vadhu Nikare from Jayadeva’s Gita Govinda, Alar Arvind unveiled a poignant tapestry of emotion, capturing Radha’s anguish amidst the bloom of spring. The choreography demanded a delicate interplay of love, jealousy and despair—each nuance rendered with graceful sensitivity.

Seamlessly shifting between the sakhi’s narration and Radha’s inner turmoil, Alar’s performance reflected a deepening maturity, drawing the audience into the heart of divine longing.

Ākhyāna unfolded not as a mere recital, but as a living tapestry where mythology, rhythm and rasa converged in graceful harmony.

Alar Arvind’s performance stood as a luminous testament to her evolving artistry—a reminder that it transcends time, speaking to both tradition and transformation.