Musical
compositions on
nature by
Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore. The verses
adapted from Kalidas' Ritusamhar are tuned by
Sri Kavalam Narayana Panikkar.
Rituranga
(the seasons) is a dance choreography in Mohiniyattam style which describes
the six seasons and its effect in the human mind, based on the compositions
of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore and the verses adapted from Kalidasa's Ritusamhar.
The descriptions of the nature as well as the effect of the seasons in
the human mind are mingled together in this choreography.
The
verses from Kalidasa's Ritusamhar are used as an introduction to
each of the six seasons and set to Sopana Sangeet (the traditional
temple music of Kerala) and then each season is elaborated with the songs
of Rabindranath Tagore.
While
Kalidasa describes the various feelings and emotions that seasons arouse
in human mind, Tagore's songs tell us about the diversity in
the seasons that reflects through the different colours of the nature.
Mohiniyattam
is one of the most lyrical classical dance form originated from Kerala,
the land of palm trees, backwaters, caparisoned elephants, rituals and
festivals; that is "God's own land". Its movements are soft and graceful
and soaked in feminine grace. They have been likened to the sway
of palm leaves in the gentle breeze. Mohini means enchantress
and attam means dance; Mohiniyattam is the dance of the enchantress
traditionally performed by women.
Introductory
Song
"Prothomo
Adi Tobo Shakti"
This
song is about the creation of nature by the almighty. We are so thankful
to Him for creating this 
wonderful nature. The eternal music of creation
is reflecting all over, in the wind, river, mountain and the ocean.
1.
Greeshma
Kalidas
in his sloka describes that
Terrible
heat-wind carries dust every where. The earth is very dry. This scene of
nature is quite painful for those separated from their sweet-hearts.
And
in Gurudev's song "Daruno Agni Bane Re" the heat of the dry and arid summer
is the main theme. Even when the earth is thirsty and the trees are drooped
and the heat beats the creatures, the poet tells us that the nature will
bring the rain and storm to the thirsty earth.
2.
Varsha
Kalidas'
sloka describes the monsoon as:
The
cloudy sky executes the sound of thunder. It seems as if Indra is
shooting the arrow of heavy downpour by using lightening as his bow-string.
This arrow create wounds in the heart of separated lovers.
In
Gurudev's composition "Sangana Gagane Ghor Ghanaghata", the agony of Radha
is described beautifully. Radha is sad for being separated from her
beloved Krishna. She becomes impatient to meet him. Her friends tell Radha
not to go through the dark forest amid the lightning and thunder.
3.
Sarat
Kalidas'
sloka says:
During
Sarat the gentle breeze embraces the flowers. Earth is clean with dried
swampy lands. Streams are full of clean water. The sky is twinkling with
moon and stars. The sweet fragrance of the ornaments made of flowers wore
by the young women spreading all over. They are entering in their houses
to unite with their husbands.
In
Tagore's thoughts in the song "Sarate aaj kon atithi elo praner dare" Sarat
brings joy and happiness with it. The calm blue sky and the dews on the
grass are like the melodious tune of a Veena. The swaying golden paddy
fields seem like a song to the poet and he urges all of us to sing together.
4.
Hemant
Kalidas'
sloka explains:
The
creepers have become beautiful with budding leaves. Crops are grown
enough and ready for harvest. Mist smears from dried lotus flowers. See,
Hemant season has arrived. Since jasmine flowers are amidst mist etc. young
women are not wearing any garlands.
In
Tagore's words "Hemonte kon basanteri bani", Hemonto is a season
of the full moon and much like the spring. The dreamy flowers drenched
in the moonlight can be seen on 
the branches of the Bokul trees. The forest
feels drowsy with the sweet smell of the untimely bloomed Swet Karabi
flowers. Some times the chirp of a sleepless unknown bird can be heard
in the night.
5.
Sisir
In
the sloka of Kalidas:
The
nights of Sisir are cool with mist-fall. Moon light makes the earth cooler.
The faded stars seem like the faded ornaments of night. These sort of cool
nights are not enjoyable for people. Beautiful young women are excitingly
approaching the scented sleeping rooms with chewing beetles.
Gurudev
says in his song "Pous toder dak diyeche" that the winter beacons us with
its bounty of harvest. The cool wind intoxicates the women working in the
paddy fields. The earth is flooded by the golden rays of the Sun. The earth
is full of happiness.
6.
Vasantha
In
Kalidas' thoughts:
During
Spring mango flowers are swaying in the breeze. Bees' buzzing sound
emerges everywhere and attracts human hearts. Mist-fall makes nature more
beautiful.
The
garden with beautiful jasmine flowers looks like the smile of brides. It
attracts the hearts of even great saints; leave alone the condition of
the young hearts.
Poet
Rabindranath says "Aj Khela Bhangar Khela". The spring signifies the end
of the cycle of the seasons. This is the end of the game of nature.
