Bhubaneswar: Born with rhythm in her veins and grace in her steps, Barsha Priyadarshani Sarangi took to dance as a duck to water.
When she was a mere child and had no idea what Odissi dance is, she would sit spellbound before the television whenever there was any programme of Guru Sujata Mohapatra or Guru Kumkum Mohanty on it. Their sculptural movements, the jingling bells and flowing costumes fascinated so much so that she often found herself in front of the mirror imitating their steps.
Realising that their daughter’s interest in Odissi dance was no passing fancy, her parents-Maheswar and Puspita Sarangi-placed Barsha under the watchful eyes of Odissi dancer Guru Mamata Ojha, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey. She was then just eight years old.
Today, she is refining her skills under Guru Rashmi Ranjan Barik at his institution Bimohana, Bhubaneswar.
Barsha’s dream came true early-just ten years old-when she performed in a group Odissi recital at Baliyatra Utsav held in Cuttack in 2014, lighting the spark and there was no looking back. Her dedication and determination made her a darling of her gurus, paving the way for her solo debut at the GKCM International Odissi Dance Festival in Bhubaneswar in 2021, at the age of 16. Thereafter, one performance led to another and her name began to be spoken as a torchbearer of the ancient tradition.
Over the years, Barsha has carved out a space for herself in both solo and group performances at several prestigious festivals in and outside the state.
Her solo appearances include GKCM International Odissi Dance Festival, Bhubaneswar, (2021), India Energy Week (2024), Sankhanada Kala Samman Festival, Bhubaneswar (2023 & 2025), International Arka Festival, Bhubaneswar (2023), Kirti Chandrika Mahotsav, Bangalore (2024), Ballava Festival, Bhubaneswar (2024), Nrutyapadma Festival, Rourkela (2025), Mrudugunjan Festival, Bhubaneswar (2025), Jagruti National Dance Festival, Bhubaneswar (2025) and Sri Jayadev Rastriya Samaroh, Bhubaneswar (2025).
Her journey as a dancer in group recital is equally enriching. The festivals where she performed in a group are Rathayatra Festival, Vizag (2015), Puri Beach Festival, Puri (2015), Balijatra Festival, Cuttack (2015, 2016, 2018, 2022 & 2023), Boita Bandan Mahotsav, Chandrabhaga, Konark (2016), Baragarh Dhanujatra, Baragarh (2017), Kalahandi Mahotsav , Kalahandi (2018), Maa Cuttack Chandi Festival, Cuttack (2018, 2019, 2022 & 2023), Toshali Festival, Bhubaneswar ( 2018), Utkal Divas, Paradeep (2018), Ganesh Mahotsav, Goa (2019), FIH Hockey World Cup, Cuttack (2023), Mahalaxmi Mahotsav, Udupi, Karnataka ( 2022) and Summer Festival, Ooty (2022).
She is also not a stranger to accolades. She has received several awards including Padmavati Rastriya Yuva Puraskar and Kirti Chandrika Yuva Puraskar.
Not one to rest on her laurels, Barsha turned her passion into purpose by establishing her own Odissi dance institution ‘Jagadhatri Kala Niketan’ in Cuttack in 2024. Here, she grooms budding dancers, sowing the seeds for the next generation of Odissi artistes.
Balancing art and academics with equal flair, Barsha is pursuing her graduation in Commerce at Ravenshaw University, Cuttack.
A dancer at heart and a scholar in spirit, she embodies the prefect blend of tradition and talent, suggesting she has miles to cover in her blossoming journey.
