Prantatah Beyond the Borders

Experience a captivating double bill by Manipuri artist Suman Sarawgi and Bharatanatyam exponent Arupa Lahiry as they trace the stories of ritual, trade, and tradition woven into India's trading heritage.

Textiles carry the memory of a people. When paired with classical dance, they reveal how culture is preserved, shared, and reimagined across generations. Prantatah - Beyond the Borders brings together Manipuri dancer Suman Sarawgi and Bharatanatyam artist Arupa Lahiry in a two-part performance that explores the relationship between fabric, ritual, and trade in two distinct regions of India.

The first act, Phisarol, draws from the weaving traditions of Manipur, where daily life is closely tied to nature and ceremonial practice. Sarawgi’s choreography captures the essence of a culture where the act of weaving is more than craft — it is a reflection of belief, community, and celebration. From rites of passage to sacred rituals, every gesture finds its place in movement.

The second act, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, shifts to the western coast of India and its ancient connection with the island of Socotra, Yemen. Inspired by maritime history and 2000-year-old cave inscriptions, Lahiry explores how trade routes carried not just goods, but gods, stories, and art forms. Through Bharatanatyam, the work brings to life the seafaring worship of Sikotari Mata and the origins of block-printed textiles, while also reflecting on the solitude and resilience of life at sea.

Together, these two acts use dance, projection, and storytelling to trace how India's textile legacies have crossed borders — geographic, cultural, and spiritual — while shaping a shared narrative of connection.

This performance is supported by Reliance Foundation.

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