ISKCON Imphal to host International Dance Festival

BY: STAFF CORRESPONDENT

Mahima Sandoval performing a Bharatnatyam item

Jan 25, IMPHAL, MANIPUR (SANGAI EXPRESS) — ISKCON Imphal is hosting an international classical dance festival, christened International Indian Classical Dance (Indiclad) for four days in February. Among others, eminent Bangladeshi dancer Tamanna Rahman will be performing classical Manipuri dance, while Miss Guadaljara, Spain, Mahima Sandoval will perform the Bharatnatyam. Moreover, Miss India Universe, Ekta Choudhury, will be spreading a peace message.

According to ISKCON Imphal President Ajit das, over 70 foreign artistes and resource persons have confirmed their participation in the festival so far. The festival will be held at ISKCON's Mani Mandir temple complex here from February 18th.

In addition to the presentation of five major Indian classical dance forms - Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Manipuri and Kathakali - by dancers of international repute, the festival will also feature two brainstorming sessions on HIV/AIDS and peace-building.

The brainstorming sessions will be attended by many international experts and resource persons of the State.

The proposed gala event comes barely five years after miscreants exploded hand grenades at the temple on Janmasthami, killing six devotees and injuring over forty, including foreigners.

ISKCON international director Damodara Swami, a Manipuri native, who was injured in the bomb attack died after a few months at Kolkata.

World famous Ramli Ibrahim and Sutra dancers from Malasyia and several others from Europe and the United States will also perform, Ajit added.

It is reported that the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) will assist ISKCON Imphal in organising the festival.