Sringara Triveni, a production by Guru Jothi Raghavan and her students was  a  beautiful tribute to “Shringara Bhakti” where Raghavan told the tales of  three great female devotees – Andal, Radha and Meera. Intertwining the tales of the three characters in a seamless fashion, the dance drama succeeded in presenting each devotee’s unique relationship with the divine. The event was held on August 19, 2018 at the Littleton High School Auditorium. 

Jothi Raghavan played the role of Radha and Meera while Mansa Jayanti played the role of Krishna. The students of Jothi played all other characters.  Compositions from the Thirupavai like Varnam Aiyiram and others were used to tell the story of Andal. Geeta Govinda compositions like Yahi Madhava and others were used to tell the tale of the relationship between Radha and Krishna . Meera’s own compositions like Hari Tum Haro, Pag Gungaroo Bandh and Chakkar Rakho were used to present Meera’s character. 

A special touch to the Meera’s tale was added with a special choreography by famous classical dancer Padmini Ravi who trained Jothi’s students in a special Rajasthani style dance and a Raas Dance. Padmini’s superb choreography brought out the culture of Rajasthan and seamlessly integrated it into the Bharatanatyam Production.  Suman Adishesh, a student of Padmini Ravi took part in the show and also helped design and order the special costumes from India. The costumes added a pizzaz to the show. 

It is always a pleasure to see the devotion and dedication of Jothi towards Lord Krishna and for dance, Arguably this was one her finest presentations.  The brilliant music by Sudha Raghuram made this show shine brightly.  Sudha’s composition was interesting and innovative Small touches like reciting Giridhar in Panchanadai in Paga Ghugharoo made for a special creation. Sudha’s singing, her husband’s flute, Revathy Ramaswamy’s Veena and Srihari Rangaswami’s Mridangam was wonderful.  It was nice to see youngsters Mahathi and Amrita on the stage accompanying Sudha. It was also wonderful to have Kalakruthi Artists present their work.

As I was watching the grand finale – Chakkar Rakho ji – I felt Jothi is indeed a gardner in the garden of Bharatanatyam where she has tended to many a young dancers. Sringara Triveni was an offering from that garden to the great Lord Krishna. I am sure the Lord was pleased. 

Jothi also honored people from the media for their support . Dr Manju Sheth, Harish and Binita Dang, Ranjani and Anil Saigal were honored.  She also thanked her husband for his support. 

Proceeds from the show were used to support IVY child a non-profit dedicated to develop mindful leaders who engage and impact social change, creating a culture of peace. To learn about IVY Child please check out their website at www.ivychild.org.