Kathakeertana- Garuda Garva Bhanga presented by Dr.Dattatreya L.Velankar on Sunday, 27th September 2026 at 10:00 am
Vanamala Center for Art and Culture warmly invites one and all to be part of a beautiful morning of Kathakeertana, presented by Dr. Dattatreya Velankar and team.
Come experience the timeless tradition of storytelling, music and devotion in an enriching cultural presentation.
We look forward to welcoming you!
Garuda Garva Bhanga – A Morning of Harikathe at Vanamala
On Sunday, 27 September 2026, the Vanamala Centre for Art and Culture was filled with an enthusiastic audience gathered in anticipation of a morning of music, storytelling and tradition.
The morning featured Dr. Dattatreya L. Velankar and team, presenting the popular Harikathe Garuda Garva Bhanga, a fascinating episode from the Dvapara Yuga featuring Lord Krishna, Garuda and Hanumanta.
The programme began with a warm welcome and a brief introduction to the artistes and the theme by Dr. Ragini Sanath. Dr. Dattatreya Velankar then enthralled the audience with his engaging presentation, seamlessly interspersing the narrative with soulful bhajans and relevant songs that brought the story vividly to life. Dr Dattatreya Velankar is known for his powerful yet melodious voice.
The central theme of Garuda Garva Bhanga is the humbling of pride through divine wisdom. The story depicts how Garuda’s pride in his strength and status is humbled through his encounter with Hanumanta, with Lord Krishna at the heart of the episode. Apart from Garuda, pride of Balarama, Sudarshana and Satyabhama are humbled by HanumanthaThrough this engaging narrative, the story brings out the timeless values of devotion, humility and surrender, reminding us that true strength lies beyond power and personal pride.
Dr. Velankar was accompanied on tabla by Sri Abhay Damle and on tāla by Sri Sujith, whose sensitive accompaniment enriched the musical and storytelling experience.
The programme offered a wonderful glimpse into the niche and beautiful art form of Harikathe, where storytelling unfolds through a seamless blend of narration, music, bhajans and song. It was an experience that allowed the audience to not merely hear the story, but to experience its characters, emotions and values through music.
Following the presentation, Dr. Meera Rajaram Pranesh spoke warmly about Dr. Velankar’s journey and his sustained engagement with this beautiful art form. The morning concluded with the Pranesh couple felicitating the artistes, honouring their contribution to keeping this rich tradition alive.
Perhaps the most heartwarming aspect of the morning was the audience itself , ranging in age from six to eighty years. To see such a diverse gathering sit together, listen with interest and immerse themselves in the world of Harikathe was a beautiful reminder of the timeless appeal of this art form. What made it even more special was watching the young children actively engage with the presentation. They listened attentively, made notes about the story and, at the end of the programme, came forward to share what they had learnt with Dr.Velankar. Their enthusiasm, curiosity and eagerness to understand and recount the story beautifully reflected how traditional art forms can connect with young minds when presented in an engaging manner. Seeing the children listen, learn and confidently share their understanding was truly heartwarming and a wonderful affirmation that the legacy of Harikathe can continue to live on through the next generation.
It was truly a morning where story, music, devotion and tradition came together, reaffirming the importance of preserving and celebrating India’s rich storytelling heritage for generations to come.
Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Dattatreya Velankar, Sri Abhay Damle and Sri Sujith for sharing their art with us. Our sincere gratitude to every member of the audience who joined us and made the morning so special. Your presence, enthusiasm and appreciation are what keep these beautiful traditions alive.