Bhubaneswar: The 10th edition of Odissi Nrutya Sangeet Samman festival recently concluded at Bhanjakala Mandap here. The two-day-long festival hosted by Nrutyangana witnessed some scintillating performances by sub-junior, junior and senior disciples of Guru Subash Chandra Swain.
While the inaugural evening of the festival was observed on the premises of Nrutyangana at Khandagiri here on February 15, the closing ceremony was held at Bhanjakala Mandap on February 16. With the customary lighting the lamp ceremony, tiny trots of the organisation presented Mangalacharan ‘Guru Brahma Guru Vishnu’. Their facial expressions, perfect mudras and use of stage space left the audience spellbound.
Next came award giving ceremony and the invited guests presented 10th Odissi Nrutya Sangeet Samman to noted Odissi dancer Dr. Snehaprava Samantray. Nrutyangana has also started the tradition of honouring journalists and photo journalists for their contribution in spreading the art and culture of the state. This year senior photo journalist Piusha Mohanty was felicitated.
After the award giving ceremony, the cultural programmes resumed with a scintillating performance ‘Nabadurga’. Displaying brilliant synchronisation and use of stage space, nine junior students of Guru Subash Chandra Swain portrayed nine forms of Devi. The nine forms are: Bana Durga, Giri Durga, Shuli Durga, Mahisha Marddini Durga, Chanda Durga, Ghora Durga, Shakti Durga, Jaya Durga and Maha Durga. The item was based on raga- Bhairavi and tala-Jati and was choreographed by Guru Pankaj Charan Das, music composed by Sangeet Sudhakar Balakrushna Das. The audience gave them a wide round of applause.
Next senior dancers of the institution presented Bajrakanti Pallavi, based on raga Bajrakanti and tala EkTaali. In white dress, the dancers started off with ‘Yakundendu’ in praise of Saraswathi-the goddess of wisdom and learning. The Pallavi presentation was excellent with nicely executed sculpturesque positions, offering a visual treat for both trained and untrained eyes. The item was choreographed by guru Subash Chandra Swain, music composed by Krushna Chandra Ray and rhythm composed by Satchidananda Das.
It was followed by a Sambalpuri folk dance by six sub-junior students. Then young and talented dancer Abhipsa Pati presented an abhinaya ‘Hari Aambhara Eta…’, a ‘Ha Champu’. She was at her emotive best in this presentation. Her portrayal of Radha enjoying the beauty of Krishna was good.
The evening came to an end with some brilliant performances like Gotipua dance by Niladree Gotipua Parishad, Sakhigopal in Puri district, Bihu dance by Kaberi Priyadarshini and Group from Indipur in Angul district and a folk dance by students of Nrutyangana.
Established by guru Subash Chandra Swain in 1990, Nrutyangana has been observing the festival since 2011. The disciples of guru Subash Chandra Swain have participated many prestigious festivals in and outside the state, and even abroad.
By kalasanskruti
