Berhampur: The inaugural edition of ‘Arghya Nrutya Utsav’ was successfully hosted by Saranchana Nrutya Anusthan at Ganjam Kala Parishad auditorium, Berhampur on December 21.
Saranchana Nrutya Anusthan is a leading Odissi dance institution founded in 2018 by noted Odissi dancer Rabi Shankar Majhi, a disciple of Padma Shri Guru Durga Charan Ranbir. He established the institution with the vision of promoting the rich legacy of Odissi dance, nurturing young talent, and providing a platform for promising artistes. A national scholarship holder and a graded artiste of Doordarshan, Majhi has performed at several prestigious festivals across the country. His students, too, have brought laurels to the institution through their performances and competition victories.
The evening was graced by District Physical Education Officer (DPEO) Bhagirathy Swain, Odissi dance gurus Jayant Acharya and Bal Gopal Satapathy, Odissi dancer Manoj Kumar Pradhan, eminent Kuchipudi dancer Guru Laxman Das and Smt Sita Majhi, mother of Rabi Shankar Majhi, inaugurated the festival by lighting the auspicious lamp. Rabi Shankar Majhi and other office bearers were also present on the dais.
The guests in their addresses extolled Rabi Shankar and his institution Saranchana for their unwavering efforts to preserve and promote the state’s classical dance tradition and extended their best wishes for the institution’s future endeavours.
On this occasion, eminent Ghuduki player and OSNA awardee Sarat Chandra Dakua was felicitated with Kirttiman Samman, young Odissi dancer Manoj Pradhan received Yuvaprabha Samman and eminent Odissi dancer Guru Jayant Acharya was honoured with Guru Gourav Samman. Similarly, social activist Karunakar Badatya received Satyanarayan Memorial Samman, eminent theatre personality Bhagirathy Swain was honoured with Satyanarayan Memorial Sanskruti Samman and young Odissi dancer Madhavi was felicitated with Satyanarayan Memorial Yuva Pratibha Samman.
The cultural evening unfolded with a bouquet of scintillating performances, presented by nearly 100 artistes from different parts of the state. The highlight of the evening however was Rabi Shankar’s live performance. He presented a ‘Mangalacharan’ ‘Niladrau Sankha Madhye’, in praise of Lord Jagannath, followed by ‘Sthayee’, a pure dance. Both the items were choreographed by Guru Deba Prasad Das and directed by Guru Durga Charan Ranbir. His performances were marked by clarity of body movements and expressions, leaving the art lovers enchanted.
He was ably supported by an ensemble of talented musicians including Guru Sagar Kumar Nayak on the Mardala, Guru Manoj Pradhan on the Manjira, Guru Satya Prakash Das and Sekhar Suman Majhi on the Flute and Kameswar Badatya and Guru Gopalkrushna Nahak.
Later, the audiences were treated to Odissi, Sambalpuri, Bihu, Dhemsa, Gajapati district’s folk dance and Karama dance, offering a colourful cultural mosaic. The art lovers enjoyed the evening till the last item.
While Smt Sita Majhi delivered the welcome address and Rabi Shankar proposed the vote of thanks, Sibananda Barik seamlessly anchored the evening. Bhagaban Behera, Jagan and other members of Saranchana Nrutya Anusthan ensured the flawless conduct of the event.
