Harikatha exponent D. Uma Maheshwari gave a recital on ‘Rukmini Kalyanam’ at Saptaparini last week. The event was organised by Naatyasamgraha. Harikatha, also called ‘Samahara kala’ that encompasses all forms of art including dance movement clubbed with drama makes for a wholesome art and entertainment show. Umamaheshwari’s recital lasted for more than an hour and a half.
Narrating the odds that troubled Rukmini in getting married to Krishna, the subject’s focus was more on trouble shooter brother Rukmi, who even gets down to war with Krishna when Rukmini ventures to elope with Krishna in his chariot. The narration opened with Rukmini’s birth and how as a young woman she lost her heart to Krishna and how her brother Rukmi wants her to get married to Sisupala, his friend. Rukmini writes a letter and sends it through a Brahmin requesting Krishna to take her away. Knowing that her letter reached him, she feels happy. She informs in that letter she would stay at particular temple from where, she appeals to him, to pick her up. On receiving the letter in Dwaraka, Krishna sets out to fulfil her request. Krishna arrives at the appointed place takes her into his chariot marries her then and there at the temple and moves away. War ensues between Krishna and his enemies led by Rukmi only the latter to be defeated finally. Almost when Krishna was about to kill Rukmi, his sister Rukmini appeals to Krishna not to do that. Krishna and Rukmini get married.
Uma Maheshwari’s narration was mixed with a few funny interludes and quips. She was supported by Sasibhushan on violin and Muralikrishna on mridangam. She gave good time for explanation of some significant thematic elements, extempore. She was warmly felicitated at the end.
