Bhubaneswar: With the winter setting in, cultural activities have increased in the capital city of Bhubaneswar. Even though Rabindra Mandap remains the finest venue for presenting art tastefully all throughout the year, it witnesses more art and culture related activities during the winter. Three-day-long Guru Debaprasad Award Festival organized by Tridhara a pioneer organization which upholds the unique style of Guru Debaprasad Das was held here from October 28 to 30.
After the lighting the lamp ceremony, the inaugural evening started with a group Odissi recital Mahalaxmi Ashtakam by the dancers of Tridhara, set to music composition by Guru Dr. Gopal Chandra Panda, rhythm composition by Guru Sachidananda Das and the dance was choreographed by Guru Gajendra Kumar Panda.Taken from Padma Purana, this presentation set the mood of the festival, giving the audience an engrossing viewing experience.
The next item was Vande Mataram, celebrating Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The music was composed by Sukanta Kundu, rhythm composition by Guru Surendra Moharana and the dance was choreographed by Guru Gajendra Kumar Panda. The dancers’ fluid grace, immaculate body movements with amazing precision and charming gestures and postures during the dance spoke volume of Guru Gajendra Panda’s training.
In the second half of the evening witnessed Mohan Veena recital by eminent Hindustani classical music maestro Padmabhusan Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt and his grandson Shri Atharv Bhatt.
They enchanted the audience with their presentation which included Alap Jhod Jhal, Bilambit Gat Tritaal and Dhrut Gat Tritaal based on rag shyam kalyan. Prosenjit Poddar gave them an able support on the Tabla.
Among others, Ananta Narayan Jena, MLA, Bhubaneswar Central and Smt. Dipti Mishra, Director, Doordarshan, Bhubaneswar attended the evening as guests.
The second evening of the 16th Guru Debaprasad Award Festival witnessed an evening showcasing a beautiful blend of Odissi dance in three forms i.e. Solo, Duet and Group with Kuchipudi dance which entertained the audience.
After the customary lighting the lamp ceremony, the evening started with a duet Odissi dance by Ayako Sakina and Manju coming from Japan. They presented Basanta Pallavi choreographed by Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra followed by Solo Odissi dance by Hananomiya Yumiko Chatani, another dancer from Japan. She was presented Astapadi- Kuru Jadu Nandana, music composed by Bhubaneswar Mishra and dance choreographed by Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra.
The following item was a Kuchipudi recital by Deepika Reddy and her group. Their first presentation was Kuchipudi Vandana set to Ragamalika and Talamalika, a string of traditional Kuchipudi dance elements integrated together as a single offering followed by invocatory verse in praise of Lord Ganesha who we believe removes all obstacles for the fruitful completion of our endeavors. Next item was Jatiswaram, a pure rhythmic piece with intricate patterns and concluded with an enthralling piece of dance standing on the rim of a brass plate which is unique to the Kuchipudi repertoire. All the items were choreographed by Deepika Reddy and music composed by DSV Sastry.
Next item was a pleasant surprise for the audience. The performer was Ms. Bagmishree Das granddaughter of Guru Debaprasad Das. She presented Mina Nayana Khina Hebani Mo Bina, written by Poet Bhagirathi and dance choreographed by Guru Gajendra Panda. In yet another scintillating solo presentation, Ms. Lity Manisha left the audience mesmerized. She presented Nabarasa composed from Mahanataka set to Ragmalika and Talamalika. The dance was choreographed by Guru Gajendra Panda.
The last item of the second evening was a group Odissi dance by students of Kala Vikash Kendra. They presented Abhinaya “Bighna Binashana” scripted by Pandit Nityananda Mishra, music by Padmashri Dr. Prafulla Kar, music composition by Guru Dhaneswar Swain and dance choreographed by Guru Gajendra Kumar Panda.
Ms. Deepika Reddy, Eminent Kuchupudi dancer; Sudhiranjan Mishra, Head of Office, Paradeep Phosphate Limited; Shri Laxmikant Pallit, Eminent Singer and Music Director and Shri Suvendu Das, son of Guru Debaparasad Das attended the evening as guests.
The concluding evening began with the traditional lighting of the lamp ceremony. Next segment was dedicated to felicitation ceremony. The prestigious Guru Debaprasad Lifetime Achievement Award 2022 presented to Padma Vibhushan recipient and eminent Odissi dancer and composer Dr.Sonal Mansingh.
Similarly, Guru Debaprasad Award 2022 presented to Vidushi Deepika Reddy (Kuchipudi) and Vidushi Prerana Shrimali (Kathak); Guru Debaprasad Prativa Award 2022 presented to Ms. Tan Mei Mei, Malaysia (Odissi), Guru Radhasyam Tarai (Sakhi Nata/ Ghuduki Nata) and Guru Debaprasad Sishu Prativa Award 2022 presented to Aishwaryaa Lakshmi Errisson, Malaysia and Suhana Mishra, Puri (Odissi) by the esteemed guests of the evening.
The cultural evening commenced with an arresting Kathak solo recital by internationally acclaimed Kathak danseuse Prerana Shrimali. Her first item was Guru Pranam followed by traditional thumri Padmakar. The items were composed and choreographed by Prerana Shrimali.
The following item was a group Odissi dance presented by Sutra Foundation, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Their first presentation was Mangalacharan followed by Sthai. The guest dancers then presented Lalita Lavanga and their concluding item was Bageshri Pallavi. Guru Gajendra Panda choreographed all the items.
Among others, Padma Vibhushan recipient and eminent sculptor Shri Sudarsan Sahoo, Dr.Sonal Mansingh (Padma Vibhushan), Shri Prasanta Nanda, Hon’ble Member of Rajya Sabha; Smt. Preeti Roy Chand, Educationalist and Shri Durga Charan Ranvir attended the evening as guests.
Dr. Srinivas Ghatuari was the emcee of all the three evenings. His elaboration made it easier for the audience to follow the items.
