An evening filled with Harikathas

Department of Language and Culture, Government of Andhra Pradesh celebrated the 26th death anniversary of ‘Harikatha Kovida’ Dr Ammula Viswanatha Bhagavatar on of March 13 and 14 at Sri Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao Government Music and Dance College. Harikathas of Madamala Rambabu and Dhulipala Sivaramakrishna Sarma were arranged on this occasion.

Harikatha is a combination art form consisting of poetry, music, drama, dance, and philosophy. This was the main art form during the earlier days and mostly Hindu religious themes would be the subjects for the Harikatha. In those days these art forms helps public get together in a place to discuss many issues.

This originally came into existence in the costal districts of Andhra Pradesh and the originator of this art form was Harikatha Pitamaha Adibhatla Narayana Dasu. Later many ‘bhagavatar’s’ followed in his path. The celebrations started with the impressive Harikatha of Madamala Rambabu from Machilipatnam narrated the story of Mahakavi Kalidasu. With his excellent voice, the bhagavatar narrated the story and received appreciation from the audience.

Dhulipala Sivaramakrishna Sarma narrated the story of Bhatka Kuchela on Tuesday. With his rich experience in telling the Harikatha, the Sivaramakrishna Sarma Bhagavatar excitingly completed the story within the time frame given by the organisers. The two-day Harikathas were supported by Ammula Prasad on mridangam and Palaparthy Anjaneyulu on Violin.

Mandali Buddha Prasad, Deputy speaker, Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly said that these celebrations should be conducted as birthday celebrations instead of anniversary. The other guests Annavarapu Ramaswamy, Tondepu Hanumantha Rao, All India Radio Station Director, PCV Satyanarayana, Vedantam Rajagopala Chakravarthy also spoke about the skills of Ammula Visawanatha Bhagavatar. Madugula Ramakrishna conducted the two-day programme.