Bhubaneswar, January 7: The birth centenary of legendary Odissi dance guru Padma Vibhushan late Kelucharan Mohapatra will be celebrated over three days from 8th to 10th January under the title “Kelucharan Keerti Shatakam.”

The celebrations are being jointly organised by the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre and Srjan under the aegis of the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department.

A series of programmes highlighting the life, legacy and unparalleled contribution of Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra to Odissi dance will be held at the Odissi Research Centre and Rabindra Mandap. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will attend the inaugural programme at the Odissi Research Centre as the chief guest.

As part of the centenary celebrations, floral tributes will be paid to the guru Kelucharan Mohapatra and a photo exhibition portraying different phases of his life and artistic journey will be organised. A short documentary film based on Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra’s life, his contribution to Odissi dance and the activities of the Odissi Research Centre will also be released on the occasion. The official website of the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre will be launched during the celebrations.

Rabindra Mandap will host panel discussions and cultural evenings focusing on Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra’s legacy during the three days. His disciples will share their personal experiences with the guru and discuss on the core aesthetics of Odissi dance, the role of classical dance in Odia culture and promotion of Odissi at national and international level.

Eminent Odissi dancers including Guru Ratikant Mohapatra, Padma Shri Kumkum Mohanty, Padma Shri Madhavi Mudgal, Padma Shri Priyambada Mohanty Hejmadi, along with several other distinguished artistes, will participate in the celebrations and present dance performances in tribute to the legendary guru.