Bhubaneswar: The three-day Mukteswar Dance Festival, organized by Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department in association with Odisha Sangita Natak Akademi, on Friday began on a captivating note against the timeless grandeur of the arch (torana) of the 10th-century Mukteswar Temple here.
The historic Shaivite shrine provided a majestic and unspoilt backdrop as eminent dancers from across the country showcased Odissi in solo, duet, and group formats.
The inaugural evening commenced with the auspicious lighting of the lamp by Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, Culture Minister Shri Sujyabanshi Suraj, Ekamra-Bhubaneswar MLA Shri Babu Singh, Secretary of the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department Dr. Bijay Ketan Upadhyay, Special Secretary of the Culture Department Shri Deba Prasad Dash and the Secretary of Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi Dr. Chandrasekhar Hota.
The shaivite shrine resonated with spritual fervour as the evening opened with a powerful Shiva Vandana – Ravana Krita Shiva Tandav – ‘Jatabi Galajjwala Prabaha Pabita Sthale’ invoking the blessings of Lord Shiva. The invocation was presented by the students of GKCM Odissi Research Centre under the guidance of eminent Guru Keshab Chandra Rout.
This was followed by a captivating solo Odissi dance recital by Internationally acclaimed Odissi danseuse Kaustavi Sarkar from USA. Her presentation featured ‘Jaya Mahesha’ (an ode to Lord Siva); ‘Yugmadwanda’, highlighting the dynamic call and response structures between dance and music and ‘Ardhanariswara’, depicting the harmonious union of confluence of the cosmic energies of dynamism and austerity.
Odissi duet by talented dancers Bibhu Prasad Behera & Akankhya Dash from Bhubaneswar followed Kaustavi Sarkar’s presentations. They presented ‘Pallavi’ set to Raga-Desh and Tala-Ekatali followed byteh vigorous ‘Siva – Rudra Tandav’.
The evening concluded with a scintillating group Odissi presentation by the students of Biswanath Sangeetalay from Cuttack led by Guru Dr. Dipti Routray. They presented ‘Gopika-Geetam’, a lyrical composition from the Srimad-Bhāgavatam, leaving the art lovers spellbound.
The festival was live telecast on DD-Bharti and live-streamed on the social media platforms of the department.
The programme was gracefully anchored by Dr. Srinibas Ghatuary and Dr. Nazia Alam.
