Lehra - Raag Durga

Concept & Choreography: Yamini Kalluri
Music Composition: Yamini Kalluri & Kishan Patel

Yamini's Intention:
This Lehra is an abstract choreography dedicated to my late grandmother, Kanaka Durga. I chose Raag Durga, a Hindustani raga, as the musical foundation because it shares her name, creating a personal and emotional connection. The piece plays with rhythm through the jawab and sawal (question and answer) format, incorporating padhant (recitation of rhythmic syllables). The second half of the performance is rooted in Hindustani music, underscoring the universality of art—a core mission of the Kritya Ensemble, which seeks to collaborate across various global musical traditions. This work also integrates stylistic elements from other dance forms I’ve explored, inspired by my friend, Ariaki Dandawate, a Kathak dancer based in Boston, who encouraged me to delve into North Indian influences in Kuchipudi. Creating this piece has been a therapeutic process for me, helping me navigate my grief over my grandmother’s passing.