THE Rajasthani Folk Performance Troupe from India, led by Shri Jeetendra Parashar, on Friday evening held its first show at the National Cultural Centre to a well-receiving audience.
The nine-person team, well known for its folk dance and music performances throughout India and other parts of the world, performed scintillating devotional acts in the form of plays or ‘Leelas’ as its members paid homage to Lord Krishna, Radha and Leela.
The group, in its plays and dances, showcase beautiful glittering costumes, graceful and energetic dancers and live music.
Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo expressed his delight at having the renowned and very talented group from India performing for the first time in Guyana. He said the large turnout at the event showed the interest of the Guyanese people in such shows, and he encouraged more groups to visit Guyana and perform here.
Shri Jeetendra Parashar, director and choreographer of the troupe, presented the Prime Minister, members of the Indian Commemorative Trust and the Indian High Commission with beautiful shalwars from India as a token of appreciation.
The group’s visits and performances here are through collaboration between the Indian Commemorative Trust and the Indian High Commission.
A student workshop was held yesterday with the dancers and musicians at the Indian Monument Gardens, to allow local dancers to experience the facet of Rajasthani dance.
Members of the National School of Dance, the Jewan Ka Nritya Troupe and the Nachegana Academy of Dance all participated in the workshop, and learned key elements of Rajasthani folk dancing in addition to experiencing basic training in some of the instruments used.
Shri Jeetendra Parashar explained that the group is very happy to be performing in Guyana. “We are very happy to be here. It feels like we are right in India, because, when we landed over here, it was just like home.”
He said the persons they have met so far are very hospitable and talented.
Indian Commemorative Trust (ICT) executive member Pradeep Samtani urged Guyanese to embrace the opportunity to view the troupe at their final stop at the Gaypark Mandir in Berbice today.
The concert is free of cost, and will commence at 3pm.
By Raveena Mangal