Kuchipudi Prayer : Vani Paraku
As with all traditional classical dance ceremonies, this event will start with the Purva Ranga Video, a prelude to traditional Kuchipudi Concerts. This is a prayer song offered to Goddess Bala Tripura Sundari, the presiding deity of Kuchipudi village and also addressed to the Goddess of Learning, Goddess Saraswati to invoke their blessings for a successful Debut.
Ganesha Kavthuvam
Ragam : : Aarabhi
Talam : Adi
Composer: Dr. Mangalampalli Balamurali Krishna
Choreography:
Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam
Kavthuvam means hymn, refers to its poetic excellence. The Kavthuvam here is composed on Lord Ganesha, the elephant headed God, the remover of all obstacles. He, the son of Lord Siva and Parvathi, blesses and fulfill desires of all devotees seeking his refuge.
Ananda Tandavam
Ragam: Simhendra Mandhyamam
Thalam: Adi
Composer: Dr. C.Narayana Reddy
Choreography: Dr. Vempati Chinna SatyamÂ
Ananda Tandavam is a divine dance performed by Lord Siva, the dance of the supreme celestial dancer in the form of Nataraja. It symbolizes the cosmic cycles of creation and destruction. In this composition, the vigorous yet brisk movements of the enticing cosmic dance of Lord Nataraja at Chidambvaram is envisioned and portrayed.
Muddugare Yashoda
Ragam: Kurunji
Talam: Adi
Composer: Padakavitha Pithamaha Sri. Tallapaka Annamacharya
Choreography: Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam
Muddugare Yashoda, is a popular keerthana by composed by Annamacharya, one his 32000 sankeerthanas, that celebrates the childhood, beauty, and divinity of Lord Krishna. The song compares the young Krishna to the Navaratnas (nine precious gems) to illustrate his precious, multi-faceted nature and his ability to protect his devotees, while highlighting Mother Yashoda's immense love for her child.
Durga Tharangam
Ragam: Shanmukha Priya
Talam: Adi
ComposerSri Narayana Theertha
Choreography : Kuchipudi Bhagavathulu
Jaya Jaya Durge, from the Durga Tarangam is a traditional devotional tharangam in the Kuchipudi repertoire praising Goddess Durga. It signifies "Victory to Mother Durga," and honors her as the protector who dispels fear and destroys evil. She is portrayed as the protector of the three worlds (Lokas), the creator, sustainer, and destroyer of evil, and the one who removes the miseries of those who seek refuge in her.
Usha Pravesam
Ragam: Kedaragowla
Thalam: Adi
Composer: Sri Rentachinthala chidambara Kavi
Choreography: Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam
Usha Pravesam is a Pravesha Daruvu (entry song/dance). In traditional Kuchipudi performances, the character Usha, the daughter of Demon King Banasura (grand-daughter of Emperor Bali), self introduces herself as she enters the stage. The dance performance highlights Usha's grace and beauty, and how her father fulfills all her desires without Usha needing to ask for anything.
Swagatham Krishna
Ragam: Mohana
Thalam: Adi
Composer: Sri Ootukadu Venkata Subbaiar
Choreography: Padmasri Dr. Sobha Naidu
Swagatham Krishna is a renowned carnatic devotional keerthana, serves as a welcoming hymn, expressing deep surrender and love as devotees invite Lord Krishna. The song recounts Krishna's divine acts, including lifting the Govardhana mountain, dancing on the serpent Kalinga and killing the demons like Mushita, Chanura and Kuvalaya. The dance choreography portays Lord Krishna as a sampurna avatara of Lord Narayana and includes the presentation of Dasavatharam (10 Incornations).
Thillana
Ragam: Kunthalavarali
Thalam: Adi
Composer: Dr. Mangalampalli Balamurali Krishna
Choreography: Padmasri Dr. Sobha Naidu
Thillana is pure Nritta (Pure Dance) with a short little lyrics at the end in praise of Lord Krishna, is also a high-energy, celebratory musical and dance composition frequently performed at the conclusion of Kuchipudi recitals. The choreography includes graceful dance movements along with the alluring poses set to a quick pace. It is used to showcase a dancer's mastery over rhythm and grace, bringing a grand finale to a performance.
Saibaba Harathi & Mangalam
Ragam: Harathi in Marathi Abhang Style
Thalam: Adi
Harathi Composer: Madhavrao Adkar & Das Ganu Maharaj
Mangalam Composer: Sri Tyagaraja
Choreography: Smt Sreelakshmi Sista
The Saibaba Harathi song ("Aarti Sai Baba Saukhyadaatara Jeeva") is a profound Marathi hymn sung in Shirdi, celebrating Sai Baba as the ultimate giver of peace, happiness, and liberation. It highlights his role as a compassionate Guru, a protector of devotees, and a divine entity who remove worldly sorrows. Mangalam, in the context of Indian classical dance, is a traditional, auspicious, and conclusive hymn performed at the end of a concert to invoke blessings and wish for prosperity. Here, the lyrics "Pavamana Suthudu Pattu" praises Lord Rama, specifically honoring his lotus feet held by Hanuman (Pavamana Suthudu - son of the wind-god) and offers eternal victory to his divine form.