Consul General P. Harish Inaugurates Classic Drama Amrapali on Houston Stage

HOUSTON: A classic drama “Asi Thi Amprapali” took stage at Sur Auditorium, Houston Durgabari Society (HDBS) on Saturday, November 30 at 6 PM. The stage performance was done under the banner of Bihari Association of North America (also called BANA) in Houston, a non-profit organization serving the social and cultural needs of many Biharis in and around Houston since 1992.

Consul General of India in Houston, P. Harish inaugurated the event and was also the chief guest to witness this memoir of such extra ordinary cultural event of ancient decent. Other guests included Dr. Bishnupada Goswami, and Pandit Shuklaji. Harish in his inaugural speech lauded the glorious past of Pataliputra in ancient Bihar.

There are about 150 families of Biharis (and Jharkhandis – after split of Bihar) in Houston. This stage show was part of their annual gala night that is celebrated around this time of the year. The writer, script writer, and the director was Chandeshwar Sharma. Courting many artists of different ages; young to seniors, Sharma blended a mix of emotion, joy, and sorrow in this drama along with rich dances and live songs.

The drama was performed live and with real voice of artists and on looked by some 200 odd audiences. The artists were excited to showcase their own glorious cultural extravaganza.

Indians in general, and Biharis, in particular in this arena, are proud of their ancient culture. Bihar is the land of Buddhism God Buddha and Jainism God Mahavir. Buddha and Mahavir are equally solemnized by many Hindus in India. Bihar is the home of numerous legendary and glorified kingdoms of ancient India.

One of them is the Vaishali, the capital city of the Lichchavi clan and the oldest democracy. Vaishali (modern Hajipur in Bihar) had been home of famous beauty queen Amrapali. Amprapali was contemporary of Magadh Kings; Bimbisar, Ajatshatru, and Bhagawan Buddha. Amrapali grew to be a lady of extraordinary beauty, charm, and grace in the city of Vaishali. To avoid confrontations among her suitors, she was accorded the status of the state courtesan (the Nagabadhu) of Vaishali. Amrapali was declared the “most beautiful” girl at the age of 11. Soon after being conferred the title of Nagarvadhu, Amrapali became the court dancer as per the rules of Vaishali democracy.

This drama centers around raising of Amrapali as a young kid, to the height of her Courtesanship of Vaishali, and to hate and love to father and son duo; the Magadh Kings – Bimbisar and Ajatshatru. She was one of the first ladies who took refuge under Bhagwan Budhha.

For further information about Bihari Association of North America and this event visit www.biharassociation.net.  Anybody interested in stage shows and understanding the Rise and sacrifices of Amrapali can contact BANA at its web site.