TAGORE'S POEMS FIND LIFE IN MOHINIYATTOM

BHANUSIMHA was just 16 when he began exploring human emotions through the grand backdrop of divine interplay—a theme that has long inspired and continues to inspire soulful poetry.

- APARNA NAIR

Fresh in his mind was Gita Govindam, the celebrated work of Jayadeva, which deeply influenced his artistic sensibilities. His fascination with Maithili (a Hindi dialect) further fuelled his urge to write. Not in his native Bengali, but in Brajbauli, another variant.

These poems were later published in 1884, introducing the world to the young poet behind the pseudonym. Over time, he became better known by his real name: Rabindranath Tagore.

The collection, now famous as Bhanusingher Padabali, remains widely sung, choreographed, analysed, and discussed, just like his other literary masterpieces.

Kerala has long embraced Tagore—translating his works, celebrating them, and watching films based on them. Yet, Bhanusingher Padabali has remained largely unexplored here.

Seeking to change that is Kalamandalam Sony, an exponent of mohiniyattom. Based in Thiruvananthapuram, she and her team brought Bhanusingher Padabali to life through dance at the Tagore Fest, held on March 24 and 25 at Bharat Bhavan.