Shadow Correspondent
katra, Oct 09
In nine days of Navratra Festival-2019, Mata Ki Kahani-a musical theatre extravaganza produced by Natrang Jammu received overwhelming response and attracted huge audience from every nook and corner of the country and proved to be the only crowd puller and ultimate attraction of Navratra Festival-2019. The shows of Mata Ki Kahani were showcased under the aegis of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and Directorate of Tourism, Jammu at the exclusively made open-air theatre at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Railway Station Katra.
Conceptualized, designed and directed by Padmashree Balwant Thakur, ‘Mata Ki Kahani’ is based on tracks with songs, narratives, dramatic sequences, stylised movements and spectacular visual compositions. This mega-musical theatre presentation has created a history for being the first theatrical show based on the legend of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi. At the culmination of its fifteenth show, the most noteworthy feature of this event this year is that not only its shows but it’s preparations and rehearsals are also watched by thousands of the audiences. The 15 show series of Mata Ki Kahani was started on 30th of September, 2019 and in which over 70 accomplished artists of n addtion to a trained team of technicians featured in this mega theatrical wonder which unfolds the entire story of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi just in one hour. Famous film personalities including Mukesh Khanna and Rakesh Bedi have rendered voice to this magnificent production. On the culmination of 15th performance of ‘Mata Ki Kahani’ in Navratra Festival-2019, Natrang felicitated the local kids which participated in Mata Ki Kahani.
Though there are many other events being held in the Navratra Festival, but this is the most befitting show which is enhancing the entire attraction to this year’s Navratra festival. 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 MahaSaraswati 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.
Prominent amongst those seventy contributors of creating this historical presentation include Anil Tickoo, Neeraj Kant, Surinder Manhas, Virji Sumbly.
