Nrityagram - Rustic, Serene & Divine!

Last week was a bit hectic at work, and I needed some good time to unwind. The closest one, I explored for a weekend getaway was Nrityagram - a place I had been longing to visit. It was a beautiful Saturday morning and there could not have been a better day to venture out…

The Entrance

Far off from the hazards of city life, the gram(a village) is clearly architected in nature’s lap. When you reach the spot, all you feel is the quiet, serene environment that has such a rustic and earthen feel to it. You get immersed and actually forget everything else. It’s spell-binding.

Sort of an Emblem at Gurkul

Lots of greenery enshrouded the place, and the sculpted bodies adorned the institution beautifully.

Bright Fuchsia Colored Bougainvillea

The low lying bright colored, thick clusters of bougainvillea welcomed me with open arms at Gurukul – an age old methodology of seeking knowledge and experience…something, that’s slowly losing its charm in the quest of modern civilization.

A kind of patio

I enjoyed spending my time there, feeling the subtle breeze, listening to the soft rustling of leaves, and the birds which twittered in glee!

Protima Bedi’ Memorial, the one who solely ideated about Gurukul

The amphitheater, leads to the memorial where Protima’s painting was dedicated.

Sculpted Bodies

I was mesmerized to hear, when one of the senior artistes was briefing about the 2000 year old (approx) Odissi dance, how their dance movements and expressions were inspired from the sculptures. When I actually saw her performing, it was as if someone had literally filled in life in a sculpted body – she was so perfect in her moves, and coordinated just rightly with her expressions and body movements. Flawless and graceful.

Inside the Gurukul – Dance Practice Area

This is the place which leads to the dance practice floor, and also the area where the students live. One of the doors that you see in the image leads to one of the senior most Odissi artiste’s home. I was privileged to see her teaching the students with such patience level.

The floor for practicing dance

Photography was prohibited during the practice sessions. I was lucky to have interacted with the stalwarts of Odissi dance – Bijayini Satpathy & Surupa Sen, who humbly shared certain nuances of the age-old dance form. They have sacrificed a lot to passionately pursue their aim in life. Their will power and strength were awe-inspiring.

The Amphitheater

Honestly, I felt like dancing at the stage above…immediately the moment I had set in my foot there… It’s so magnificent.

Ancient Sculpters

These tiny sculptures lay still at the garden area…forming the essence of ancient art and cultural living.

In House Organic Vegetables

The gurukul’s vegetable garden at the backyard. The residents are supposed to lead a life in a true gurukul style, hence they tend to gardens, do their own chores and practice dance.

Little Flower Bed

Tiny flowers bloomed gently as the fresh air tickled them softly. Poignant, mystic and strangely calming – this place has more to offer, but only if you are an enthusiast of nature, fine arts and culture. I did manage to take pictures, to chronicle them but the degree of tranquility is something I could not record it. I will visit the place again soon…

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