Bhubaneswar: Curtains came down on three-day 21st Dhauli Kalinga Mahotsav at Shanti Vihar on the foothills of Dhauli with the Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda) forming the perfect backdrop on Sunday.
The concluding evening was a “tour de force”, featuring a fusion of Odissi, Kathak, Bharatnatyam, and Mohiniyattam, presented by renowned institutions.
After the customary lighting the lamp ceremony attended by guests like eminent Odissi dancer and former Vice Chancellor of Sambalpur University Dr (Prof) Priyambada Mohanty Hejmadi, dance critic Leela Venkataraman, Mardala exponent Guru Dhaneswar Swain and social worker Sumitra Jena, the concluding evening’s cultural programmes were presented.
The evening’s first programme was a “showstopper”, with a composite creative piece involving Odissi, Mohiniyattam, Bharatanatyam and Kathak dances by the artistes of Orissa Dance Academy, International Academy of Mohiniyattam, Delhi, Pavitra Art Visual Institute, Mumbai and Khanak Institute of Performing Arts, Delhi respectively.
They commenced their presentation with Ganesh Vandana followed by Krishna Sharanam Namaha.The artistes beautifully told the story of Lord Krishna, from His birth to Mahabharat war, through dance.
The art connoisseurs as well as common audience were found glued to their seats as many of them were witnessing the episodes like the birth of Lord Krishna, His pranks, Vishwaroop darshan, Kaliya Daman, slaying of demons and, of course, Mahabharata war were presented by the dancers of Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Kathak and Mohiniyattam.
The neat and flawless presentation won the hearts of the audience.For sure, what will remain etched in the mind of the audience is the portrayal of nine avatars.
The production, conceptualized and choreographed by Padma Shri Dr. Aruna Mohanty, co-choreographed by Janardan Raj Urs (contemporary, martial art and folk), Jayaprabha Menon (Mohiniyattam), Pabitra Bhat (Bharatnatyam) and Manisa Nayak (Kathak), was a “masterclass” in coordination and creativity.
The evening’s last program was Mayurbhanj Chhau, presented by the artistes of Mayur Art Centre, Bhubaneswar. The dancers presented Sumbha-Nisumbha Badha. Their energetic and captivating performance left the audience wanting more.
Debiprasad Mishra’s exquisite light design for both programmes played vital role in creating perfect mood and atmosphere on the stage.
The program was anchored by Dr. Srinibas Ghatuari and Dr. Nazia Alam.
