A cultural night in the city pays ode to Guru Ashimbandhu Bhattacharjee’s 60-year-long journey

The Purnamidam festival, held on November 15 and 16, at Rabindra Sadan was a celebration of Kathak maestro Guru Ashimbandhu Bhattacharjee’s 60-year artistic journey. Supported by Avik Chaki, a devoted disciple of the guru, the two-day event showcased the brilliance of Indian classical dance, bringing together renowned artists and captivating the audience with performances that ranged from intricate Kathak rhythms to soul-stirring expressions.
The first evening began with Luna Poddar’s Ashtanayika, where she explored the emotional depth of the eight archetypal heroines in Indian literature, setting a poignant tone for the festival. This was followed by Padmashree Madhvi Mudgal’s mesmerizing Odissi recital, a flawless display of fluid movements and lyrical beauty. The evening concluded with Tomaro Ashime: The Endless Journey of a Dancer, a performance by the Upasana Centre for Dance, that traced Guru Bhattacharjee’s extraordinary contributions to Kathak.

Day two was devoted to Kathak, beginning with Avik Chaki’s soulful rendition of the bhajan Dhannya Bhagy Seva Ka Avsar Paya, accompanied by his intricate performance in Chowtal rhythm. His heartfelt tribute to his guru resonated deeply with the audience. Ranjani Bhattacharjee followed with a captivating Tal Dhamar (14 beats) performance, displaying traditional Kathak elements with perfect footwork and a poignant portrayal of longing in Ab Ka Sawan Ghar Aaja. The evening culminated with Guru Bhattacharjee’s own performance, where he began with a sufi kalam, transitioning into an electrifying Kathak presentation in Teental (16 beats). His performance was a masterclass in Kathak, showcasing all its hallmark elements, and concluded with a touching rendition of Rabindranath Tagore’s poem from Geetanjali, leaving the audience deeply moved.

The performances were further elevated by a stellar ensemble of musicians, including tabla virtuoso Subir Thakur, pakhawaj artist Mithun Chakraborty, sarod player Sunando Mukherjee, vocalist Joydeep Sinha, and flautist Rupak Mukherjee, whose collaboration brought a seamless harmony between music and dance.
Purnamidam was more than just a festival—it was a tribute to Guru Ashimbandhu Bhattacharjee’s legacy, a celebration of Kathak’s timeless beauty, and a testament to its power to connect generations. The event left an indelible mark on Kolkata's cultural scene, highlighting the enduring relevance of classical Indian dance.