Unity in diverse forms

Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya in association with the Department of Language and Culture, Government of Telangana organised ‘Bathukamma - The Indian Cultural Festival’ at Ravindra Bharati recently. It was a unique celebration of Bathukamma festival with dance forms representing fifteen States of India integrated into finally performing ‘Bathukamma’ dance together.

Dancers specialised in Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh), Bihu (Assam), Ravindra Natya (Bengal), Dandia (Gujarat), Kashmiri (Jammu & Kashmir), Yakshagana (Karnataka), Kathakali (Kerala), Gondhal (Maharashtra), Manipuri (Manipur), Odissi (Odisha), Bhangra (Punjab), Bhavai (Rajasthan), Hojagiri (Tripura) and Bharatanatyam from Tamil Nadu participated in this ‘flower festival’.

It was a very beautiful sight to see dancers performing the specialised dance of their State in traditional costume and also perform Bathukamma for a short time. This brought in the feeling of universality that exists in a dance form as seen beyond a tradition and melting into movements set to rhythms.

The organisers emphasised that Bathukamma brings in a feeling of ‘Oneness’ in the form of devotional community celebrations. It’s about women being respected and honoured in society as they hold special importance and dignity in the process of mankind creation. The various colours of flowers used in Bathukamma symbolise various values, which are needed in daily life for harmony and progress.

Speaking on the occasion Etela Rajender, Finance Minister, Government of Telangana expressed the hope that this festival goes into every city, district, village and all nooks and corners of the State. K Swamy Goud, chairman, Telangana Legislative Council lauded the efforts of the Brahma Kumaris Charitable organisation in working towards creating a new world order and also working to spread the message of peace through the celebration of this festival all over India.

By Jaywant Naidu