International Odissi Dance Festival inaugurated with overwhelming response

Bhubaneswar, Jan 07: International Odissi Dance Festival got off to a colourful start today showcasing various aspects of Odissi repertoire through the legendary, established and senior dancers of repute who enthralled the audience by their marvelous performances. 

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The objective of the festival is to experience the beauty and grace of Odissi dance presented by the dancers from across the globe. This year, the event is being organized on the occasion of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. 

The event is organised by Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre under the aegis of Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture, Government of Odisha. It is expected to be witnessed by the diaspora and delegates from across the world who are coming to participate in the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. 

The dignitaries who were present in the inaugural function were Shyamamani Devi, eminent singer; Prof. Prafulla Mishra, Sanskrit scholar; Deba Prasad Dash, joint secretary, Odia Language, Literature, Culture and Anuja Tarini Mishra, administrative officer, Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Reach Centre. 

The first presentation of the inaugural evening was an Odissi solo dance by eminent danseuse Guru Kumkum Mohanty. She presented Sriram Bandana followed by Astapadi Yami. The next was solo presentation by Pabitra Kumar Pradhan followed by duet presentation by Rakhi S S & Archana Basu. Next item was solo dance by Gayatri Ranbir, daughter of Guru Durga Charan Ranbir followed by another solo performance by Somya Bose. Next was duet presentation by Shakti Sampanna Parida & Suchismita Sahoo followed by solo presentation by Dushasan Sahoo and Minakshi Rani Jena. Inaugural evening last presentation was group Odissi dance by the dancers of Manasa ‐ Art Without Frontiers.

The art lovers thronged the festival in huge numbers. This year special attraction were  photo exhibition - Odyssey : A Journey of International Odissi Dance Festival organized to showcase some noted artistes who performed in International Odissi Dance Festival in previous years and ethnic cuisine stall, coffee stall, millet stall and book sale counters are available at the premises of Rabindra Mandap. The programme was anchored by Dr. Mrutunjaya Rath.