Pandit Udaya Kumar Mallick performing at Rapadi open air auditorium, Palakkad, on Friday evening.

Hindustani musician and founder of Dhrupad Academy, New Delhi, Pandit Uday Kumar Mallick gave a pure musical treat to the crowds on the seventh day of the Swaralaya Samanwayam dance and music festival here on Friday evening.

A member of the Darbhanga Gharana, well known for Dhrupad and Pakhawaj, Mr. Mallick transported the crowds to a realm of musical bliss by weaving a sonic tapestry of intricate ragas.

With his masterful command over the Dhrupad tradition, Mr. Mallick’s soulful renditions evoked emotions ranging from serenity to ecstasy.

Shyam Mohan Kottayam accompanied him on tabla and Hamza Harsh Valanchery on harmonium.

The musical treat was followed by a captivating Kathak dance recital titled ‘Bhakthi Nrutha Tharang’ by Noopur Performing Art Centre, Bengaluru, led by the duo Hari and Chethana. The eight-member dance troupe, adorned in vibrant attire, took the audience to a higher level of visual ecstasy with their intricate footwork, rapid pirouettes, and expressive gestures.

As they danced in harmony, the troupe brought to life the essence of Bhakti, conveying the intensity of devotion and the joy of spiritual surrender. The technical precision, emotional depth, and enthusiasm of the dancers left the audience in delight.

Dancers Sirisha, Manasa, Yasaswini, Ananya, Divya and Mahesh accompanied Hari and Chethana.

Tarana, an all-woman music band from Kochi, will perform at Rapadi open air auditorium on Saturday evening. It will be followed by an Odissi dance drama titled Siyaram by Madhulita Mohapatra’s ensemble from Bengaluru, and a Mohiniyattam recital by Parvathi Pradeep.