Jammu 15th October, 2023 : Balwant Thakur’s mega theatrical show ‘Mata Ki Kahani’ mesmerised the jam packed audiences at Abhinav Theatre Jammu. Presented by Natrang Jammu, this show was sponsored by J&K Academy of Art Culture and Languages, Jammu. Mr. Anand Jain IGP Jammu range was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Welcoming the august audience, the Secretary of J&K Academy of Art Culture and Languages Mr Bharat Singh Manhas dwelt in detail about the programmes and plans of J&K Cultural Academy aimed at the promotion and propagation of the art and culture of Jammu & Kashmir. Giving details about the making of ‘Mata Ki Kahani’, Natrang Director Padamshree Balwant Thakur presented a brief sketch of the aesthetic journey and creative processes associated in the creation of this mega show. He thanked all for being a big support to him and Natrang in realizing his dreams of taking the culture of Jammu to international heights.
Today’s mega presentation ‘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 mesmerising 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 the 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 life-time impact of a highly vibrant presentation.
Mounted by over 70 artists, technicians, designers and creative people, this is perhaps the first ever theatre show which brought live the entire legend of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi through the highly imaginative use of all artistic expressions.
In his address Mr. Anand Jain the Chief Guest of the show appreciated the efforts of all the artists in creating a magic spell of stage. Terming this performance as the ultimate class he lauded the vision of Balwant Thakur for exposing Jammu to best of the artistic creations. On the occasion he also appreciated J&K Academy of Art Culture and Languages for supporting the genuine art practices of the UT. The Chief Guest was also felicitated by the Secretary J&K Cultural Academy Bharat Manhas and Director Natrang Balwant Thakur.
The artists who participated in this historic presentation included Neeraj Kant, Sunny Mujoo, Virender Sumbly, Sartaj Singh, Mohd. Yaseen, Rahul Singh, Brijesh Avtar Sharma, Mitali Sarmal, Soujanya Shekhar, Gopi Sharma, Chirag Anand, Sushant Singh Charak, Aadesh Dhar, Mahikshit Singh, Kushal Bhat, Vishal Sharma, Sanket Bhagat, Sumit Bandaral, Abhimanyu Choudhary, Chaitanya Shekhar, Ajay Lalotra, Anand Verma, Amit Rana, Sunny, Raghav Pandita, Vansh Pandotra, Rikshit Sharma, Chander Shekhar, Arun Sharma, Palshin Dutta, Radhika Khajuria, Radhika Sharma, Meenakshi Bhagat, Shivam Singh, Kananpreet Kaur, Mehak Singh, Mehak Chib, Mehak Panzore, Ritika, Anmolpreet Kour, Jaspreet Kour, Shriya Razza, Madiha Sajad, Kashish Katoch, Tania Balgotra, Priya, Suneha Agural, Priyal Ashok Gupta, Prerna Sharma, Deepshikha Sharma, Himanshi Jain, Tarun Sharma, Munish, Uday Manhas, Priya Kumari, Neha Pandita, Aarti Devi, Arun Dev Verma, Bunty and Arjun Soni.