Katra 6th October 2024: Balwant The conceptualizer, writer, and director of ‘Mata Ki Kahani’ today appealed to everyone to come and witness the most vibrant musical theatre production ever produced in Jammu & Kashmir. Natrang Jammu is showcasing two shows of this most electrifying theatrical magic every day at 3 pm and 6 pm at the Auditorium of Spiritual Growth Centre, Katra, till the end of Navratras. This is the opportunity of a lifetime which is not to be missed. A pilgrim from Gujrat after witnessing ‘Mata Ki Kahani’ said that this presentation is no less than any world-class show. At least in his life he has never seen a performance of this class. He recommended that all pilgrims coming to pay obeisance at the shrine must see ‘Mata Ki Kahani’ as it will not only educate them but they will also be exposed to the true narrative of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi.
History has perhaps never witnessed a production of this class at Katra which unfolds the entire legend in a highly spectacular manner. Balwant Thakur who is credited for having created theatrical wonders of world class, once again established the fact that his magic spell will continue to mesmerize audiences through his mind-blowing ventures. ‘Mata Ki Kahani’ – a unique theatrical experience for the audience, beautifully showcased the popular legend of Mata Vaishno Devi. Magically,, it transported the entire audience to a mesmerizing journey unfolding the story of Mata Vaishno Devi which is a classic narrative that echoes every Hindu household and is a part of every grandma’s midnight tale. As per the legend, during the period when the Goddess was busy in annihilating the Asuras, Her three main manifestations viz. Mata Maha Kali, Mata Maha Lakshmi and Mata Maha Saraswati got together one day and pooled their collective Tejas or spiritual strength. Today Mata Vaishno Devi is worshiped by millions and trillions of people across the world. Mata Vaishno Devi has surfaced as an embodiment of will, strength, and peace. In the present times, when the atrocities against mankind is prevailing, the legend of Mata Vaishnodevi gives a guiding light to her followers to help her devotees to uphold inner confidence and faith within themselves and on the strength of her healing and cosmic powers.
The most striking feature of today’s performance was the demonstration of perfection in every creative department, be it the stage action, design, lighting, scenic imagery, and visual poetry, which left a lifetime impact of a highly vibrant presentation. Pan-India audience, on the occasion appreciated the performance and termed this as their lives’ best memorable presentation, which they desired to continue for the entire year so over one Crore pilgrims visiting Katra every year benefited by such educative showcasing of artistic presentations. The majority of the audience admitted that they were not fully aware of the whole story of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and after having witnessed this mind-blowing presentation they have come to know about various aspects of the story.
The artists who featured in this mega show included Neeraj Kant, Brijesh Avtar Sharma, Palshin Dutta, Kananpreet Kaur, Sana Chouhan, Kushal Bhat, Vishal Sharma, Kavya Sharma, Aradhaya Sharma, Pihu Mehra, Aanya Sharma, Ayushi Nagotra, Anvi Thakur, Aayna Thakur, Sania Bhagat, Sonam Thakur, Jeevika Thakur, and Vrinda GujralIsha Gupta, Mehak Chib, Aradhana Soodan, Divyanshi Sharma, Mehak Singh, Suneha Angural, Sakshi Gupta, Priyal Ashok Gupta, Pratibha Verma, Mahi Verma, Simran Bhagat, Prerna Sharma, Simran Rajput, Ritika, Janvi Biloria, Harmandeep Kour, Arun Dev Verma, Sahil Narwalia, Arun Sharma, Lalita Devi, Shalini Bhagat, Kartik Kumar, Vansh Pandotra, Gopi Sharma, Sanket, Abhinav Sharma, Gourav Khajuria, Manik Sanmotra, Raghuvansh, Bhushan Kumar, Deepak Saini, Mridul and Sunny Mujoo. The sets of the play are designed by Veerji Sumbli and lights by Shivam Singh. The show was coordinated by Mohd. Yaseen.