New Delhi: A fine blend of choreography, costume, music and mythology will bring alive the stories of Karna and Meera at the Centre's dance festival, starting on Friday.

Organized by Shri Ram Bharatiya Kala Kendra, directed by Shobha Deepak Singh and choreographed by Sasidharan Nair, the dance festival will begin with "Parikrama" at the Kamani Auditorium here.

The inaugural performance explores the depths of the human psyche through Indian philosophy, exploring the cyclical nature of existence from birth to liberation.

"Starting with the concept of Hiranyagarbha, the symbol of potential, th production follows the soul's journey to manifest as soul in the physical world. As the soul descends into the body, birth occurs, leading to the separation between the soul and the senses. There is a struggle.Taking inspiration from the Katha Upanishad, the production vividly depicts the soul's quest for liberation, which ultimately leads to salvation," the organizers said.

On the second day, a dance ballet titled “Karna” will explore the profound complexities of human existence as depicted in the epic Mahabharata, focusing on the character of Karna.

The dance-drama will highlight Karna's unwavering ideals of friendship, charity and righteousness, epitomizing timeless virtues and a reminder of the triumph of morality even in the face of adversity, echoed by Lord Krishna himself.

“The Center Dance Festival presentations are not just performances; They are a reflection of our cultural essence and eternal wisdom. In a world where ‘fusion’ often creates confusion, our commitment to maintaining the purity and authenticity of the Indian dance tradition shines through,” Singh said in a statement.Shriram, vice-chairman of the Bharatiya Kala Kendra, said that although his productions retain their original themes, they provide "deep relevance to today's society, where violence and discrimination continue to haunt our world".

The festival will conclude on May 5 with a dance-drama based on the life of poet-saint Meera, whose verses convey the message of liberation and encourage inner awakening.

The production will aim to redefine Meera's image, "presenting an analytical and introspective account of her struggles, highlighting the plight of women in the male-dominated society in India".