Key Takeaways
- Mahagami, a cultural centre in Aurangabad, has been nurturing the next generation of classical artists for 30 years.
- Parwati Dutta, a Kathak and Odissi dancer, is the brainchild behind Mahagami.
- Mahagami has grown not only as a training space but also as a place for experimentation and inquiry.
Who is behind Mahagami's success?
Parwati Dutta, a Kathak and Odissi dancer, is the brainchild behind Mahagami, a cultural centre in Aurangabad. She was trained under legendary gurus Pt. Birju Maharaj and Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra.
Parwati's love for dance and mathematics led her to establish Mahagami, a space devoted to dance, music, theatre, and the performing arts. She has conceived and choreographed over 800 original works within the classical dance structure.
What challenges did Mahagami face?
When Parwati arrived in Aurangabad in 1996, she found a barren land with no amenities or comforts. She had to rely on her own resources and talents to build the institution, introducing an annual residential programme, 'Sadhana', and an intimate concert series, 'Sahridaya', to bring established musicians and performers together with Mahagami's students.
Parwati also introduced 'Anushtha', a programme that allows audiences to experience a range of art forms, from tabla and Rudra Veena to Kathak and Odissi.
How has Mahagami grown over the years?
Mahagami has grown not only as a training space but also as a place for experimentation and inquiry. Parwati believes that knowledge is not separate from practice, and students are encouraged to develop a theoretical foundation and explore how ideas from texts can find expression in movement.
The institution has also become self-sufficient, with dedicated tailors who stitch costumes for the students and a team that handles lighting and other technical aspects.
What is the significance of Mahagami's 30th anniversary?
Mahagami's 30th anniversary, celebrated with the festival 'Satata Trimsat', marked a significant milestone in the institution's journey. The festival featured a range of dance performances, artists capturing the ambience live on canvas, and the release of the second edition of Vayam, a book documenting the institution's journey.
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Parwati and her students looked back on the journey with a sense of pride and accomplishment, reflecting on how Mahagami has become a place that draws students and audiences from across the world.
By the numbers
- 30 years: The duration for which Mahagami has been nurturing the next generation of classical artists.
- 800: The number of original works conceived and choreographed by Parwati Dutta within the classical dance structure.
- 75: The number of dancers who performed in the concluding Nrityarpana, a Kathak and Odissi performance.
What does the future hold for Mahagami?
As Mahagami looks to the future, Parwati's vision remains clear: to see art as a way of life, not just a compartment. The institution continues to nurture the next generation of classical artists, breaking the myth of an 'unserious generation' and challenging the notion that tradition stifles creativity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mahagami?
Mahagami is a cultural centre in Aurangabad that nurtures the next generation of classical artists.
Who is behind Mahagami's success?
Parwati Dutta, a Kathak and Odissi dancer, is the brainchild behind Mahagami.
What challenges did Mahagami face?
Mahagami faced practical and artistic challenges, including a lack of facilities and resources.
