In the sacred quietude of Bekal Gokulam Goushala, where the air of Kasargode carries the scent of ancient devotion, a celestial vision unfolded. “Radha – Dhara of Life,” a masterpiece conceptualized, scripted, and choreographed by the venerable Kalashri Dr. Lata Surendra, breathed life into the earth, weaving the distinct graces of Bharata Natyam and Kathak into a single, shimmering tapestry of spirit.
The evening breathed its first breath with a haunting invocation. Through the rhythmic intricacy of Sankeerna Triputam, Dr. Surendra etched a profound truth upon the stage: the non-duality of the Divine. Here, she was Krishnamayi Radha; there, he was Radhamayi Krishna. The boundaries between the lover and the beloved dissolved before the audience’s eyes as the intense unfolding of Radha as the nectar of life began.
As the narrative thread tightened, the Varnam emerged—a powerhouse of complex Jathis and verses from the Gopigeetam and Krishna Karunamritham. Dr. Lata Surendra, a doyenne of Abhinaya, moved with an ease that masked the technical mastery of her footwork. Beside her, Smt. Sahana Bharadwaj portrayed Krishna with a subdued, magnetic intensity. The stage became a landscape of heartbreak as Krishna prepared to leave the idyllic Madhuban for his mission, leaving Radha to etch her distraught state of mind into the very air.
Founder Shri Vishnu Prasad Hebbar & Nagarjuna Hebbar
The Yamuna River, personified through the sighs of the music, became the keeper of memories. Through the vibrant storytelling of Guru Lata Bakalkar’s Kathak disciples—Shraddha Sirmokadam, Aditi Bakalkar, Riya Naik, Meghana Varadkar, and Tanmai Bakalkar—the river recounted the first meeting of souls. The energy shifted from the playful “Churiwala Krishna”—the bangle seller—to the soul-stirring Ashtapadi, Priye Charushile. In this moment, the chemistry between Dr. Lata and Sahana Bharadwaj reached a fever pitch; Radha’s anger melted into a relenting, boundless grace.
Kalashri Dr Lata Surendra & Sahana Bharadwaj
The climax arrived in a whirlwind of color and sound. The uniquely choreographed Kasturi Tilakam gathered the fluid synergy of Kathak and Bharata Natyam, leading into a well-knit Hori and Maharaas. It was a magical orb of non-dual oneness, drawing the entire ensemble—including Manasvi Bharadwaj, Krithi Chadaga, and Aaradhya Patil—into a climax of pure Madhuryam.
As the final notes of Shri Shiva Prasad’s hauntingly melodious voice drifted into the night, the Yamuna seemed to heave a heavy sigh of fulfillment. The resonance of “Jai Radha Madhav” lingered in the air, leaving the audience spellbound. It was more than a performance; it was an ode to Radha as the very Dhara—the flow—of life itself, a momentary glimpse of that earthy cosmos called Vrindavan.
Synergy of Kathak & Bharatanatyam
The lighting by Mani complimented the theme beautifully and what better ambience than the cradling heaven at Bekal . Founded in 2010 by Vishnuprasad Hebbar and Nagaratna Hebbar, Bekal Gokulam Goushala has grown with the Kalarchana that draws performing artists from all over the world and just watching the witnessing goumathas receiving visual prayers has humans themselves gather a peace and sense of equanimity ever so easily . The event is being held at Dhenumantapam Stage at Bekal Gokulam Goushala, Periya, Kasargod.
A Kalarchana from May 1- May 14’2026 of dance forms
Concept ,script, by Kalashri Dr Lata Surendra May 3′ 2026