Indian classical dancer Verushka Pather to be honoured in Tamil Nadu

CELEBRATED Indian classical dancer Verushka Pather will be honoured by the Ministry of Culture in Tamil Nadu for her substantial contributions to Indian arts and culture on the African continent at the upcoming Dance for Shivaratri programme.

The event - titled Ishvara Prandidhana: a Yatra of Natyam - from February 13 to 19, will showcase Pather's exceptional talent alongside other performers from around the globe.

Pather, a Bharatha Natyam exponent from Ballito in Durban, said the programme marked a significant occasion for her, as it acknowledged her ongoing commitment to cultural exchange and artistic expression.

“The invite is a recognition of my contribution to Indian arts on the African continent, and I am thrilled to participate,” she said.

One of the most significant aspects of the event will be her collaboration with senior colleagues of Bharata Kalanjali, a centre for artistic excellence, and senior disciples of the Dhananjayans.  

For the event, a diverse ensemble of dancers, who are all passionate proponents of their art forms, will take to the stage. They comprise Tomiko Daya (Japan), Rathika Mahadeva (Australia), Ushakumari Suresh (Singapore) and Logambal Souprayen-Cavery (Reunion Island).

They will be accompanied by musicians Padmini Ganesh and Shreshta Ranjith (India), Nila Souprayen-Cavery (France) and South Africa's very own Parusha Naidoo, known as Tabla G. 

Performances will be held at well known Shiva temples: Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, Arunachaleswarar Temple, Thanjavur Bridhadeeswarar Temple and Kapaleeswarar Temple.

Pather, a businesswoman and Indo-African fashion designer, designed a special collection for the Oberoi Beach Resort's concept store in Mauritius, and subsequently opened Khanya Designs at Royal Road in Grand Baie, Mauritius.

Shivaratri will be observed on February 15.

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