Bhadrakali Temple, situated in a picturesque setting on the banks of the Bhadrakali Lake provided a serene ambiance to multiple performances that evening. Students of Ranjith Kumar presented the Perini Shiva Thandavam – “Dance of the Warriors”, a form of dance usually performed by warrior men in front of an idol of Lord Shiva before leaving for a battle. There was also a dance drama “Mahishasura Mardini” – presented by students of Vidyaranya Government College of Music and Dance, Warangal, led by their Principal Kuppa Padmaja. The highlight of the evening was a captivating presentation of an Odissi dance performance called “Samsara” by a troupe led by Orissa dancer – Padmashree awardee, Aruna Mohanty. Samsara is the soul’s journey through the cycle of birth and death. The soul experiences the journey from childhood to youth to old age. If you gracefully accept these stages in the cycle of life, then why are you so afraid of the next stage, death? ‘Samsara’ reflects on the idea that at the end of it all one needs to seek refuge in the lotus feet of the lord. Therefore the message was “Bhaja Govindam Bhaja Govindam Bhaja Govindam Muddhamate.” – chant the name of the Lord for the release of the soul. This was followed by Navarasa, the nine rasas conveyed through an episode from the Ramayana.