A Mesmerizing evening of Mohiniyattam

Padmashri Bharati Shivaji is a synonymous name to the art of Mohiniyattam, a classical dance form from Kerala. Literally meaning "the dance of the enchantress- Mohini", the dance is deeply rooted in femininity, Lasya (grace) and Sringara (beauty) forming the quintessence of this dance form. It was an unforgettable experience to be present at her mesmerizing performance on some of the episodes from ancient Indian literature. "Mohini" is presented as a philosophy of return to the poise, an equilibrium in life. When hassles of life, confronting ups and downs, lead to a weariness- a passionless feel drops upon, Mohini appears in any form, takes away to a frolic joy and a joyous serenity, and revives the heart to face life again. Mohini- she is a deity, a friend, a beloved, a mother...

The concert took place on 18th Feb., in the auditorium of Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun. She presented "Bal-Ganapati", a sopan from "Geet-Govindam", "Omanathinkal Kidavo" a lullaby in Malayalam composed by Irayimman Thampi and several others. Sadanam Rajagopalan (vocal), Srikumar (edakka), Jayant Das (mrudangam and mardalam) and Shyamala Bhaskar (veena) accompanied her to a perfect synchrony.

Bal-Ganapati:

 

Geeta-Govindam Sopan:

 

Omanathinkal Kidavo- a Lullaby:

Cherishing visit to Kashmir Valley

December 2012, at the beginning of winters this season, I paid a short visit to Kashmir valley for a quick survey for my Ph.D. work on the wolves of the Himalayas. As already discussed in my recently published paper on the taxonomy of wolves, wolves in the Kashmir valley are a puzzle and we are addressing this issue. Beauty of Kashmir valley always remains eye-catching hunt for photographers. I'm sharing a few clicks during this visit.

Dal Lake- view from Chashm-e-shahi

Hokar sar wetland, a Ramsar site

A view after snow fall in Anantnag

Manasbal lake, one among such jewels of J&K

Sinking a day (Dal Lake)

WII ARS, 2012 Photo Competition

My two photographs were selected for award in photograph competition held on 18th September during XXVI Annual Research Seminar, 2012 at Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun. Sharing these pictures with you...

Picture category: Flora and Fauna
Place: 3rd

Ruddy Shelduck, Changthang WLS, Ladakh

Picture category: Non-theme
Place:consolation

Lamayuru village, Ladakh

Sweet Home: Pithoragarh

On 16th of this month I visited to Pithoragarh, my sweet home. It was Harela, a festival of greenery and prosperity celebrated in Kumaon region, and a group of friends inaugurated newly formed organization with  the same name "HARELA" at Shantikunj, Didihat. The mission of this organization is  to promote nature conservation by the approach of reconciliation ecology. I must elaborate about the organization in some other post; here I am sharing some frames captured during this short visit.

Night Lights of Pithoragarh

Shantikunj, Didihat (Pithoragarh)

Dharani Maata temple as Shantikunj

Shraavan ka rang haraa re...

Lyuda- the delicious fern

Another visit to Spiti Valley

I recently paid another visit to Spiti valley in Himachal Pradesh for my research work on Himalayan wolf. Spiti is the northernmost area of Himachal and it shares boundaries with Laddakh and Tibet. This Trans-Himalayan valley samples the splendor of nature in this harsh, rugged and serene landscape and its unique flora and fauna. Here are a few frames captured through my camera:

Udaas si wo shaam thi...

Break from Trek

Kanum base (5000 mt.)

Be-imaan Mausam

This one is from Kufri Nature Park, Shimla

Kala Ghoda Art Festival, 2012- Mumbai

Recently I got a chance to visit Mumbai, my first jaunt to the city of Indian Dreams. The trip turned a feverish experience with discovering myself splattered of astonishing art manifestations in precinct of the Kala Ghoda Art Festival. It was 12th Feb., last day of the week of a kaleidoscope culture of music, dance, theatre, literature, street stalls, films, visual arts and heritage walks, making it Mumbai's biggest festive extravaganza.

Visual Arts section of the festival exhibits amazing architectural and installation artworks. The theme of this eye-catching section this year was 'Let there be Light', providing a platform for young, talented and upcoming creative people to display their works. I've tried to capture a snick of that sentience.

Mumbai che Kavale

Horse History

Submerging World

Om Shrotam Shrotam !

Urban Metamorphosis

Death Tray