Sri Rukmini Kalyanam - A Telugu Stage Drama

Before attempting something like this yourself, just remember that Krishna had a powerful brother. Who do you have?

On the occasion of its 29th anniversary, Kinnera Art Theatres is organising 29 days of Telugu stage dramas from different parts of the state, at Sri Thyagaraya Gana Sabha, from 9th November to 7th December. As part of the 23rd day of celebrations, Rukmini Kalyanam is being staged today.

Rukmini is the daughter of King Bhishmaka of Vidarbha. When she attains the age of marriage, her brother Rukmi plans to fix the match with Sishupala, the king of Chedi, for which he gets the consent of his parents too. But Rukmini, in love with Krishna, rejects the match. Her brother, though, remains adamant.

Left with no option, she sends a trusted messenger to Dwaraka with a letter to Krishna to rescue her. She mentions that before any marriage, as per the customs of Vidarbha, a girl has to perform a puja at the temple of the kuladaivam, Goddess Durga in her case. She requests Krishna to abduct her after the puja, as soon she steps out of the temple, so that her brother would be present with a minimum of soldiers, which would avoid unnecessary bloodshed.

On the day of the puja, Rukmini arrives at the temple along with Rukmi and Sishupala, and a small army of guards. After the puja, Krishna comes in a chariot and tries to carry away Rukmini, but Rukmi, Sishupala and their army stop him.

Krishna brother Balarama, who was already there at the site, defeats the army of Rukmi, and on the request of Rukmini, spares the life of Rukmi. Krishna immediately drives his chariot to Dwaraka, where his marriage with Rukmini takes place on a grand scale.

The drama is being directed by K Kanaka Raju, and presented by PNT Cultural Association of Kakinada.

Kinnera Art Theatres was started in 1977, and has since organised various programs, including musical nites, classical dances and vocals, felicitations and releases of books. It has served as a platform for many upcoming artistes, and has at the same time provided recognition and appreciation for established ones. Dr R Prabhakar Rao, IPS, is the chairman of the association, while M Raghuram is its dedicated secretary.

Please contact M Raghuram of Kinnera Art Theatres at 98660-57777 for further details.