Bhubaneswar: The second edition of ‘ShreeJa Dance and Music Festival’ was held at Bhanjakala Mandap in Bhubaneswar on October 27.
The festival is organised by Debarchana Dance Academy, an Odissi dance and music institution founded by young and talented Odissi dancer Guru Sanjit Kumar Panda. The institution’s objective is to provide a platform to young talents to showcase their artistic talents.
The festival was divided into two sessions. While the morning session witnessed some scintillating solo, duet and group Odissi performances, the evening session, however, was the main attraction of the festival, drawing art lovers and dignitaries alike.
The evening was inaugurated by CSNA awardee Guru Snehaprava Samantaray, Guru Manoranjan Pradhan, director of Sheevam School Madan Mohan Padhi, Amrita School’s manager Brahmacharini Rasika Amruta and Brahmacharini Namrita Amrita, Dr Asima Patra and corporator Amaresh Jena.While addressing, the guests heaped praises on Guru Sanjit Kumar Pradhan for organizing such a beautiful festival.
A felicitation ceremony followed where Debarchana Nrutya Samman, Debarchana Sangeet Samman, Debarchana Sanskruti Samman and Debarchana Badya Samman were conferred upon Padma Shri recipient Guru Durga Charan Ranbir, eminent vocalist Guru Nimakanta Routray, principal of Amrita Vidyalayam and Pala artiste Guru Ramesh Chandra Palei respectively.
The cultural evening commenced with a chorus performance by the junior artistes of Debarchana Dance Academy. Then, under the guidance of Guru Sanjit Kumar Pradhan, the artistes of the institution presented an array of captivating performances including ‘Shreeram Krushnayate Namah Namah’, ‘Basant Pallavi’, ‘Hari Om’, ‘Santakaram’, ‘Namami’, ‘Baramasi’ and Sambalpuri folk dances, leaving the audience entertained.
The event was smoothly anchored by Dr (Er) Srinibas Ghatuary.
