Chakravyuh - Uttarakhand Folk Theatre | 4 November 2023 | Virasat 2023

Chakravyuh - Uttarakhand Folk Theatre | 4 November 2023 | Virasat 2023
The ninth day of the Virasat Art and Heritage Festival 2023 featured the staging of Chakravyuh by the Pandav Folk Theater of Garhwal, Uttarakhand. This performance, depicting a scene from the Mahabharata, was organized with the assistance of Dr. Purohit, who translated the dialogues into Garhwali. The play was directed by Mr. Abhishek Bahuguna, with contributions from Dr. Sanjay Pandey, Gokarn Bamrada, Manish Khalli, Shailendra Methani, Mrs. Rekha, and Mrs. Babita. The traditional instruments, Dhol-Damau, and Hudka were played by Akhilesh and friends, as part of the performance.
The culture of the Garhwal region is deeply influenced by religious beliefs, and the Pandava dance, known as Pandava Leela, is a valuable part of its heritage. This ceremonial dance commemorates the journey of the Pandavas, bringing joy to the homes and villages of Uttarakhand during the harsh winter months. The dance signifies the commitment of the sons of Manu to preserve their culture by recognizing the difference between Dharma and Adharma. Pandava Nritya narrates the story of the Pandava brothers, including their birth and their journey towards Swargarohini Yatra, the 'Journey to Heaven.' The performance encompasses various episodes from the Mahabharata, such as Keechak Vadh, Narayan Vivah, Chakravyuh, and Genda Vadha. The Pandava dance culminates in a grand feast for the villagers, with the sacred weapons used in the play safely stored in a quiver.
Local artists portray the Pandava brothers, and symbolic figures known as 'Nishans' represent deities like Lord Shiva, Maa Rajeshwari, Nagaraja, and Lord Narayana. These artists dance to the rhythmic beats of Dhol-Damau, traditional Pahari musical instruments. It is believed that while performing the Pandava Leela, the cosmic energy of the Pandavas enters the bodies of the performers. The Kauravas' clever war strategy, leading to the killing of Abhimanyu, is also depicted in the performance
The Virasat Art and Heritage Festival 2023, running from October 27 to November 10, provides a platform for people to experience the richness of art, culture, and music from renowned masters of classical music and dance. The festival features a diverse range of attractions, including a crafts village, cuisine stalls, an art fair, folk music, Bollywood-style performances, heritage walks, and more. This festival serves as an opportunity for people from across the country to gain deeper insights into India's rich cultural heritage and its significance. Every facet of the festival, including art exhibitions, musical performances, food, and heritage walks, reflects the traditional values associated with Indian heritage.
REACH, established in 1995 in Dehradun, has been organizing the Virasat Mahotsav in the city with the primary aim of preserving and promoting India's artistic, cultural, and heritage values. The Heritage Festival has played a pivotal role in reviving rural arts that were on the verge of extinction due to a lack of audience. It has contributed to the preservation of village traditions, music, dance, crafts, painting, sculpture, theatre, storytelling, traditional cuisine, and more, helping these art forms transition into the modern era and gain recognition. Virasat 2023 promises to captivate and transport attendees on an unforgettable musical and cultural journey.
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