Dr. Prakriti Bhaskar performs Bharatanatyam in Rishikesh

Dr. Prakriti Bhaskar performs Bharatanatyam, the dance of transformation at the annual International Yoga festival, organized by Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh.

Prakriti combines in her pursuit of the art, a rare blend of an elegant performer, meticulous teacher, imaginative choreographer, accomplished
nattuvanar and a prolific writer. Prakriti has trained under three of the most distinguished gurus of Bharata Natyam. The Kathakali maestro Guru Raghavan Nair initiated her into dance and she later honed her talent under the rhythm wizard Kalaimamani Talavidwan Guru T.S. Kadhirvelu Pillai and internationally acclaimed choreographer Padmashri Guru Adyar K. Lakshman.Her meticulous training under these stalwarts helped her evolve into a mature artiste with a highly creative mind and sensitivity. Prakriti holds a Masters Degree in Fine-Arts and is a National Scholar. She specializes in rhythmic choreography and nattuvangam (the art of playing the cymbals). Brilliant technique, coupled with a dignified stage-presence and natural grace are the hallmark of her dance, while aesthetic taste and penchant for perfection lend an ethereal quality to her choreographic work.

Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh, India organizes the annual International Yoga Festival.

The International Yoga Festival was originally a creation of Uttar Pradesh Tourism, in the days when Rishikesh was still part of Uttar Pradesh. Held at Hotel Ganga Kinare in the first week of February, the Festival ran for many years and attracted a small number of participants. In 1999, the Government of Uttar Pradesh approached Parmarth Niketan Ashram to host the Festival at the ashram. Participants were still staying at the hotels, but their classes and programs were held at Parmarth. Pujya Swami Veda Bharatiji gave inspiring discourse and led mediations. Yogasanas were taught by Yogacharya Bharat Bhushanji and his team. The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department was led by Shri Ravindra Singh, Director General