Bhubaneswar: The fourth edition of Nrutyasudha Dance Festival, organised by a Bhubaneswar based Odissi dance institution Nrutyasudha Dance Academy, founded by Guru Sachikant Pradhan, held at Bhanjakala Mandap in Bhubaneswar on November 15.
This year’s festival was dedicated to late Guru Prof Naba Kishore Mishra, who was the president of Nrutyasudha Dance Academy.
A well known dancer and choreographer, Prof Mishra passed away on October 28.
The evening had guests like Dr. Guru Manoranjan Pradhan, Guru Smt. Minati Pradhan, Guru Lingaraj Swain, Guru Bijaya Kumar Sahoo who started the festival with lighting the auspicious lamp and their warm wishes and inspiring words.
The next segment was felicitation ceremony. Dr. Guru Manoj Kumar Behera and Soumendra Balabantaray were also felicitated with ‘Nrutyasudha Samman’ and ‘Nrutyaurmimala Samman’ respectively. While Dr Behera is a renowned guru, Soumendra is a promising Odissi dancer and student of the host institution.
On this occasion, a book titled ‘Bhakti Sandhya’, written by Guru Sachikant Pradhan’s father Dhanurdhar Pradhan, was also released by the guests.
The afternoon session of the festival begun at evening 4 PM and was continued till 6 PM where solo, duet and group dance was performed by the artistes of the academy in the form of Odissi and folk dance. In the evening session as well the artistes of Nrutyasudha Dance Academy performed Odissi dances like Mangalacharan, Sthayee, Vasant Pallavi etc. folk along with a dance drama ‘Mahaveer Jain” which mesmerized the audience present there. The talented dancers of Nrutyasudha Dance Academy beautifully depicted how Mahaveer conquered over the enemies such as attachment and greed. In fact, the word ‘jin’ means who won his mind, speech and work.The item was choreographed by Guru Sachikant Pradhan.
This festival gave opportunity to more than 100 artistes to perform and increase their art and self belief. The evening witnessed a packed auditorium. The art lovers who remained glued to their seats till the last item showered their blessings on the artists.
The evening came to an end with Guru Sachikant Pradhan giving away the vote of appreciation.
The emcee of the evening was Dr Srinibas Ghatuari.
