Kolkata, 26 September (HS): A three-day ‘Gaudiya Dance Workshop’ began on Saturday under the aegis of the West Bengal State Dance Academy at its Tollygunge premises in Kolkata. The workshop was inaugurated by Purnima Chakraborty, Minister of State for the Information and Cultural Affairs and Tourism departments of West Bengal. A total of 50 students are participating in the workshop.

On the occasion, Minister Purnima Chakraborty said that just as kirtan finds mention in Bengali literature, Gaudiya dance is also an integral part of Bengal’s cultural heritage. However, the practice of this dance form has gradually been declining in the present circumstances. She said that the West Bengal Dance Academy, along with the enthusiastic and voluntary participation of students coming from different parts of the state, is making a collective effort to revive this dance tradition.

She also announced plans to establish a Kirtan Academy in the future. She urged the younger generation of dance enthusiasts in Bengal to connect with the history of Gaudiya dance. She also called for presenting Gaudiya dance with pride not only across the country but also on the international stage.

Dr. Mahua Mukhopadhyay, the instructor at the workshop, spoke about the history of Gaudiya dance and said that the word ‘Gaudiya’ originated from ‘Gauda’. This dance form, dating back nearly 2,500 years and mentioned in the Natya Shastra, is deeply connected with the literature and culture of Bengal. Gaudiya dance also has a close association with Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Nagar Sankirtan.

She also highlighted the contributions of Jayadeva, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Rabindranath Tagore to the development of the classical dance tradition in Bengal. At the end of her address, she made a special appeal for considering granting Gaudiya dance the status of a full-fledged classical dance form and for including it as a full-fledged subject at Rabindra Bharati University.

Hindusthan Samachar / Santosh Madhup