Cuttack: An evening steeped in rhythm, tradition, and artistic brilliance unfolded at Satabdi Bhavan in Cuttack as ‘Natan Utshaba’ was hosted by the Natyasutra Research Public Charitable Trust (NRPCT) on June 5.
The event cast a cultural spell over the audience, celebrating classical and folk dance traditions.
The festival was inaugurated by none other than legendary Odissi exponent and Padma Shri awardee Kumkum Mohanty, whose presence lent grace and gravitas to the evening.
With the opening ceremony helmed by noted dance guru Ashish Kumar Das, the event was off to a spirited and auspicious start.
The opening ceremony, steered by dance guru Ashish Kumar Das, featured Bipin Bihari Rout, Joint Director of ORMAS, as the chief guest. Delivering an insightful address, Rout emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting India’s classical art forms.
Social worker Priya Ranjan Das and Odissi dance Guru Sugyani Mahapatra, founder of NRPCT, co-hosted the event, which was marked by cultural depth and scholarly engagement.
In a compelling segment, District Culture Officer Nalini Kanta Sahu delved into the Natya Shastra, offering interpretations that bridged tradition with contemporary relevance.
As the lights dimmed and the music rose, the stage came alive with a cascade of captivating performances by artistes from the Odissi Nrutya Mandal and the host institution NRPCT. Pieces like ‘Deepam Jyoti Param Brahma’, ‘Jhulanti Range’, and ‘Dekh Go Radha Madhava Chali’ unfolded like poetry in motion, each telling a timeless tale through expressive abhinaya and intricate footwork.
Among the standout moments was the duet ‘Megha Pallavi’, performed with finesse and fluidity by Rupa Pal and Rani Dalei, both disciples of Guru Sugyani Mahapatra. Their coordination and chemistry drew thunderous applause, marking a high point of the evening.
Adding to the visual tapestry, the dance drama ‘Barsharani Aa’ brought a theatrical flair to the stage, while lively folk performances injected the event with vibrant energy and regional charm.
Behind the scenes, smooth stage coordination by N. Kajal Rao, Pratiksha Mitra, and their team ensured that the event flowed without a hitch, allowing the spotlight to remain firmly on the performers.
More than just a dance program, ‘Natan Utshaba’ emerged as a confluence of cultural expression, creative pedagogy, and communal pride.Notably, NRPCT is the brainchild of Guru Sugyani Mahapatra, a devoted disciple of Guru Kumkum Mohanty.
Founded in 2022, the trust is committed to nurturing the Odissi tradition by offering free dance training to underprivileged children and awarding scholarships to budding talents—ensuring that the legacy of this ancient art form continues to thrive across generations.
