DOMBIVLI: A theatrical portrayal of Goddess Durga’s battle against demon Mahishasura offered Dombivli residents a glimpse into India’s traditional performing arts during the Sharadiya Navratri festival.Artistes from Bengaluru presented ‘Sri Devi Mahishasuramardini’, blending dance, drama, expressive acting and devotion to narrate the triumph of good over evil.The performance drew an enthusiastic response from the audience, with traditional costumes and dramatic sequences bringing the mythological tale of the goddess’s victory to life.The programme was organised as part of the Navratri celebrations hosted by the Dr Shrikant Shinde Foundation and Shri Navdurga Yuva Mandal at the DNC school grounds in Dombivli East.Kalyan MP Dr Shrikant Shinde, who attended the event, stressed the importance of preserving and promoting traditional art forms that reflect India’s cultural heritage.“Artistic performances that preserve our culture and traditions are important. They need encouragement and support so that this rich heritage can be passed on to future generations,” Shinde said.The presentation centred on the story of Mahishasura, whose tyranny threatened the world until Goddess Durga took the form of Mahishasuramardini to defeat him.Through a combination of theatrical expression, dance and devotional elements, the Bengaluru artistes depicted the goddess’s strength and the victory of righteousness over evil.Organisers said the festival seeks to go beyond religious rituals by providing a platform for India’s diverse cultural and spiritual traditions. Alongside devotional activities, the programme features performances showcasing different forms of traditional art.At a time when modern entertainment platforms are increasingly popular, such performances offer an opportunity to introduce younger audiences to India’s mythological stories and traditional artistic expressions.They also help preserve cultural practices that have been passed down through generations.The Navratri festival has included a range of religious and cultural programmes, including the Navkundatmak Sahasrachandi Mahayag, Haripath, bhajan sessions and devotional music.The organisers have sought to combine religious observances with cultural activities to give visitors a wider experience of the festival.The ‘Sri Devi Mahishasuramardini’ presentation added a distinctive dimension to this year’s celebrations, highlighting the role of traditional theatre in keeping India’s mythological narratives and performing arts alive.
