Aligning with centuries-old Mother’s Day tradition in the UK, the story of Mother Goddesses from the ancient Indian text of ‘Matsya Purana’ was celebrated through classical dance recently by Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence.
Titled ‘Maatru Vandana’, the event paid tribute to the role of mothers and Mother Goddesses in inculcating values and restoring harmony in the society, and adulating her power and prowess as a protector, guide, mentor and caregiver. Hundreds gathered at the event organised at the Bhavan in London to witness the show depicting the battle of female warriors Sapta Maatruka with the demonic forces of Raktabeeja. It symbolised the struggle between wisdom and ignorance, between humility and arrogance. A total of 30 dancers have presented on the occasion.
A congratulatory message from Buckingham Palace, from His Majesty King Charles III, was also read out on the occasion.
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The well-researched story was presented through multiple classical Indian dance forms – Bharatanatyam, Manipuri, Mohiniattam, Kuchipudi and Kathak styles. Talented dance exponents Sanvika Kommineni, Dr Debanjali Biswas, Manju Sunil, Lakshmi Pillai, Sree Lalitha Kotla, Priya Kushwaha and Ragasudha Vinjamuri each depicted a Goddess in the battlefield.
Nritta Chitra art was demonstrated by Odissi dancer Debabrata Pal. The gathering brought together art lovers from different parts of the UK and beyond. BAFTA member and senior film and TV personality Paul Brett, Professor Peter Austin from the University of London, and author Tejendra Sharma lit the lamp for an auspicious start to the event, which was anchored by Sushil Rapatwar, President of Wembley Stadium Speakers Club, and Prachi Ghotankar, RJ on BHF Radio.
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The event was kindly supported by entrepreneur Syam Puli and India’s Punjab National Bank.
Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence is an arts charity which has been actively presenting and promoting performing arts and linguistic diversity of India and South Asia for more than a decade. The Centre has displayed many unique performances on research-oriented themes from ancient texts.
In recognition of its extensive work and impact, the centre is in the running as a British Diversity Awards 2025 finalist in the Charity of the Year category.