India, Aug. 30 -- Eight classical dance traditions converged on one stage in Pune on Saturday to present the timeless story of the Mahabharata through eight episodes and eight primary emotions, in an artistic production that sought to showcase the diversity of India's classical dance heritage.

"Ashta Bhava, Ashta Nritya - Mahabharata", organised by the Pune Art and Culture Foundation in collaboration with the Pune Municipal Corporation's cultural centre department, was staged at Bal Gandharva Rangmandir on JM Road.

The production brought together Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi, Odissi and Sattriya. Each dance form was used to interpret a selected episode from the epic, with the eight primary emotions...