Early Times Report
Katra, Oct 5: Natrang completed the series of 10 shows of it's mega musical theatre production 'Mata Ki Kahani' in Navratra Festival Katra. Organised by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and Department of Tourism this ultimate attraction of Navratra Festival-2022 witnessed jam-packed audiences at the exclusively designed open-air Theatre at Kailash Parking, Railway Road, Katra where thousands of devotees and the locals used to throng every evening. The magic of this mindblowing performance was such that pilgrims witnessed this repeatedly on both the occasions, before commencing the Yatra and after it's completion as well. Written, devised, scripted, designed and directed by Padamshree Balwant Thakur and produced by Natrang Jammu, this mega-musical theatre presentation has created a history for being the first theatrical show based on the legend of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi. Today at the culmination of its 10th show people wanted such a magical theatre spectacle to continue for the entire year. Considering it's grandeur of spectacular presentation and highly educative storyline, this show should become a permanent happening in Katra as for the entire year there is nothing substantial and meaningful to offer to the visiting lakhs of devotees to Katra.
Over 70 accomplished artists featured in this mega theatrical wonder which unfolds the entire story of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi just in one hour. Famous film personalities including Mukesh Khanna and Rakesh Bedi have rendered voice to this magnificent production. Though there are many other events being held in the Navratra Festival, but this is the most befitting show which enhanced the entire attraction to this year's Navratra festival to the ultimate heights.
Mata Ki Kahani’ – a unique theatrical experience for the audience, beautifully showcased the popular legend of Mata Vaishno Devi. Magically it transported the entire audience to a mesmerising journey unfolding the story of Mata Vaishno Devi which is a classic narrative that echoes every Hindu household and is a part of every grandma’s midnight tale. As per the legend, during the period when the Goddess was busy in annihilating the Asuras, Her three main manifestations viz. Mata Maha Kali, Mata Maha Lakshmi and Mata Maha Saraswati got together one day and pooled their collective Tejas or spiritual strength. Today Mata Vaishno Devi is worshiped by millions and trillions of people across the world. Mata Vaishno Devi has surfaced as an embodiment of will, strength and peace. In the present times, when the atrocities against the mankind is prevailing, the legend of Mata Vaishnodevi gives a guiding light to her followers to help her devotees to uphold inner confidence and faith within themselves and on the strength of her healing and cosmic powers. The most striking feature of performance was the demonstration of perfection in every creative department be it the stage action, design, lighting, scenic imagery and visual poetry which left a life-time impact of a highly vibrant presentation. Mounted by over 70 artists, technicians, designers and creative people, this is perhaps the first ever theatre show which was witnessed by the audience at the holy town of Katra. Pan-India audience on the occasion appreciated the performance and termed this as their lives best memorable presentation which they desired to continue for the entire year so over one Crore pilgrims visiting Katra every year get benefited by such educative showcasing of artistic presentations. Majority of the audiences admitted that they were not fully aware of the whole story of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and after having witnessed this mind-blowing presentation they have come to know about various aspects of the story. Seventy accomplished artists/performers/technicians/designers have mounted this presentation. Prominent amongst those included Neeraj Kant in direction, Surinder Manhas and Sumeet Sharma in audiography, Mohd Yaseen in Production Coordination, Virji Sumbly and Aadesh Dhar in art direction, Sushant Singh Charak and Brijesh Avtar Sharma in Costumes and properties, Sunny Mujoo (Choreography) and Shivam Singh in light design and execution.
The prominent participants of this mega production included Neeraj Kant, Suresh Kumar, Meenakshi Bhagat, Zeeshan Haider, Mohd. Umar, Sheetal Jadhan, Sagar Gupta, Sunny Mujoo, Vansh Padotra, Sahil Bazaz, Kushal Bhat, Sushant Singh Charak, Parth Magotra, Pooja Raina, Vidhya Angural, Aarti Sharma, Bhawana Gupta, Luxmi Devi, Palshin Dutta, Naina Rakwal, Priyal Gupta, Sunaina Bharti, Rashi Devi, Kashish Gupta, Deepika Rajput, Lakshmi Uppal, Priya, Kananpreet Kour, Mohd. Yaseen, Brijesh Avtar Sharma, Ajay Lalotra, Aadesh Dhar, Atikshi Thakur, Monika Sharma, Himshikha Thakur, Akraishy Langeh, Arushi Dogra, Avantika Dogra, Apurvi Sharma, Reetakshi Sharma and Jeevika Bhagat. |
