GANGA is a river,
GANGA is a goddess,
GANGA is the flow of life,
GANGA is a beautiful woman,
GANGA is the consort of the Gods,
GANGA is the life breath of its people.

GANGA is the perennial stream of existence arising from the mysterious source, storming, sparkling, flowing and calmly surrendering to the vast ocean.

GANGA is the symbol of purity and eternal cycle of life, one that pervades the Heaven, the Earth and the Underworld in Time and Space. According to Indian thinking, the divine consciousness manifests through Creation, Preservation and Destruction which is connected with three Supreme Gods – BRAHMA – the creator, VISHNU – the preserver and SHIVA – the destroyer. GANGA is the creation of all three Gods. The energy was started from the big toe of Vishnu, which was collected by Brahma in a Kamandal and given the form of a beautiful woman. Before GANGA descended on earth, she was held captive in the hair locks of Shiva and was charged with his energy.

Birth of Ganga (Kala Vageesan)

In Indian numerology and astrology number SEVEN plays a very important part. All the important episodes connected with GANGA are in number seven. When GANGA was born in heaven, she was worshipped by Sapta Rishi – Seven Sages – who represent seven rays of light. On her way to earth, in space GANGA was surrounded by Sapta Marut – Seven Winds. On earth GANGA splits in Sapta Sindhu – Seven Streams. On earth GANGA marries King Shantanu and gives birth to eight sons but kills Sapta Putra – Seven Sons because of a previous curse.

Adoration of Ganga by Sapta Rishi (Seven Sages)
(clockwise from centre top: Anthony Guerra, Ninthuja Nandesan, Chad Walesac, 
Gauri Bharati, Sagana Mahendiran, Biplob Kar, Jeneta Rubaranjan)

Meeting of Ganga and Mahabhishekh in Heaven
(Kala Vageesan and Janak Khendry)

When Shiva graciously released Ganga from his locks, she came down to earth and divided herself into Seven Streams that have distinct characters and colours.

Farmers
(Taniya Papinazath, Reshmi Chetram, Sinthuja Jeyarajah and Mala Pisharody)

Farmers
(Mala Pisharody, Sinthuja Jeyarajah and Reshmi Chetram)

(Gauri Bharati, Reshmi Chetram, Divya Divakaran, Sinthuja Jeyaranjah, Sagana Mahendiran, Ninthuja Nandesan, Taniya Papinazath, Mala Pisharody, Hirrenya Rajasekeran and Jeneta Rubaranjan)

Audience Response to GANGA

“Brilliant choreography” “Outstanding performance” “Never seen anything like this before” “Feast of dance and colour” “Amazing beauty and formalperfection” “Truly inspirational” “Never experienced such complexity performed with such absolute grace” “The choreography, the dancers, music and message to human kind about protecting our environments was exceptional” “Spectacular visual display” “The choreographic presentation itself is classic” “Choreography was thrillingly beautiful, hypnotic and strikingly dramatic” “The presentation of Ganga was moving and absorbing experience with wonderful lighting”.

Creators of GANGA
Choreography: Janak Khendry
Research Advisor: Dr. Tulsiram Sharma
Music Composer: Ashit Desai
Lighting: Bradley Trenaman
Computer and Graphic Design: Eddie Kastrau
Publicity: Rupal Shah
Photo Credits: David Hou and Manpreet Sokhi (MansaPhotography)

Artists of GANGA

Kalaimanram of Canada has my gratitude for sharing its dancers.