Uttarayan, a vibrant and joyous celebration, marks the arrival of the winter solstice in Indian culture. Traditionally observed as the festival of kite flying, it symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and the promise of brighter days ahead. In a unique artistic expression, this festival was brought to life through Kathak, where the rhythm of movement mirrored the soaring kites, embodying themes of freedom, triumph, and the fleeting nature of life’s struggles.

Created by Urja Thakore, Kattam katti is a Kathak-contemporary performance by the UK-based Pagrav Dance Company, presented by Anita Ratnam and Narthaki Global Media. Urja drew inspiration from a Gujarati poem written by the esteemed poet Avinash Vyas.

The scene began with one of the performers preparing a kite for flying, accompanied by a musical instrument playing softly in the background. Later, strings were stretched across the stage from one end to the other, remaining in place throughout the production, as the performers skillfully moved and performed between them.

Initially, we see a lone man flying a kite, but he eventually loses control. Undeterred, he tries again. Later, the scene transitions to pairs of performers flying kites together.

The production beautifully showcased the struggles of flying kites, the joy of victory, and the mindfulness required to maintain balance and not lose control. The performance captured the delicate interplay of persistence, teamwork, and celebration inherent in the art of kite flying. It also featured moments of loss and chaos, with performers dashing between each other, adding dynamic energy to the scenes.

Unlike the usual tradition, it was the performers themselves who recited the rhythmic syllables while performing. What made Kattam katti unique was that it is not a narrative story and does not involve any mythology, which is often central to traditional Indian dance forms.

The performance had intricate details and complex steps executed with perfect coordination and a highly realistic style of performance. After the show, Urja Thakore mentioned that none of the performers had actually flown a kite, but they had experimented with new ideas and techniques in their portrayal.

There were segments where a man and woman engaged in a fight, with arguments between them expressed through rhythmic syllables of taka dimi tak kata ki ta that effectively conveyed the intensity of their confrontation.

The program eventually concluded with the dancers happily flying kites, seamlessly incorporating Kathak dance into the final moments.

Musical instruments were played throughout the production, adding a continuous rhythmic backdrop. Interestingly, the musicians were also performers, seamlessly integrating into the scenes and performing at select moments. We see how the music transitions from a slow, somber tone to a happy and cheerful one, reflecting the shift in mood and energy of the performance.

The lighting also played an important role. With minimal lighting, it created a dark, dramatic effect that enhanced the overall impact of the performance. The men and women were dressed in vibrant red kurtas and palazzos.

In conclusion, Kattam Katti explores the wide spectrum of emotions we encounter in life, with the kite symbolizing our pursuit of freedom and success, while also highlighting the vulnerability that accompanies these aspirations. Additionally, kite flying acts as a powerful metaphor for the unequal distribution of privilege, shedding light on the deep-rooted inequalities present in both the corporate world and society as a whole.