Kolkata: As the dusk settled on the horizon of this City of Joy in shades of gold and amber, the Satyajit Ray Auditorium, ICCR, Kolkata came alive on June 10 with dignitaries, art aficionados and audiences starting arriving into the venue. The occasion was the 8th All India Classical Dance Festival, 2026, organized by Nrutyadham, the cultural institution founded by eminent Odissi dancer Dr. Subhashree Pattanaik.
The festival made its debut in Kolkata and left an indelible impression on audiences.The prestigious event was graced by several eminent personalities as distinguished guests including Kashinath Behera, IAS (Retd), renowned, Odissi dance exponent and SNA awardee Guru Aloka Kanungo, and Secretary Central Committee of Sanskar Bharati Ms. Nilanjana Ray, Mahamantra of Sanskar Bharati, West Bengal, Tilak Sengupta, and programme officer of ICCR, Kolkata Angshuman Pal.
The festival commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the distinguished guests, setting an auspicious tone for a celebration dedicated to India’s rich classical dance heritage. Among those present were Dr. Subhashree Pattanaik, Secretary of Nrutyadham & Rajashree Pattnaik, festival director, along with senior artistes, members of the cultural fraternity and a large gathering of art enthusiasts.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the inaugural ‘Nrutyadham Nrutyakala Lifetime Achievement Award’. Instituted to honour extraordinary contributions to classical dance, the award was conferred upon Padma Shri and Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee Guru Geeta Mahalik, one of the most revered names in the world of Odissi.
The other two awards ‘Nrutyadham’ presents in a year are ‘Guru Naman Lifetime Achievement Award’ and ‘Nrutyadham Lifetime Achievement Award’.
The cultural segment commenced with a captivating solo Odissi recital by Guru Mahalik, an illustrious disciple of Guru Deba Prasad Das and Guru Mayadhar Raut.
She opened her presentation with a Mangalacharan ‘Krishna Stutee’, followed by the abhinaya ‘Ghaata Prasanga’ (Kali Jaha Kale Sakhi). Choreographed by Guru Mahalik herself and music composed by late Sumanta Mohanty, based on the poetry of Kabi Banamali and set to Raga ‘Bhimpalasi’ and Tala ‘Khemta’, this expressive piece vividly narrates Radha describing Krishna’s playful exploits and his dalliance with the Gopis on the banks of the Yamuna to her sakhi.
It was a pleasure to watch her performing with fluid and graceful movements and impeccable expressions. Her every gesture seemed to speak a thousand words, drawing viewers deep into the emotional landscape of the narrative.
Keeping the ball rolling, Dr. Subhashree Pattanaik took the stage with an evocative abhinaya ‘Kunti’.
Set to Raga Ragamallika and Tala Talamallika, the piece was choreographed by Padma Shri Guru Durga Charan Ranbir, music composed by Guru Sukanta Kumar Kundu and rhythm by Guru Dhaneswar Swain. In her abhinaya presentation ‘Kunti’, Dr. Pattanaik beautifully portrayed the emotional turmoil of Kunti, who blessed by Surya Dev, gives birth to Karna but is compelled by societal pressures to set the infant adrift on a river.
Through powerful expressions and sensitive interaction, she portrayal captured a mother’s pain, helplessness and inner conflicts with remarkable artistic flair and ease, allowing the art lovers to connect with the narrative on a personal level.
Dr. Pattnaik holds a Ph.D. in Odissi Dance from Utkal University of Culture and has been the recipient of Senior Fellowship, Junior Fellowship and Senior Scholarship by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Recognized as an outstanding performer by the Ministry of Culture, she is also an ‘A’ Grade artiste of Doordarshan.
The evening then gathered further momentum with a series of enthralling group presentations. Six female senior dancers of eminent Odissi dancer Guru Aloka Kanungo’s ‘Shinjan Nrutyalaya’ presented ‘Tara Pallavi’ and ‘Vande Mataram’, both choreographed by Guru Kanungo.
The artistes’ synchronized movements, precise rhythm, and expressive execution captivated the audience, drawing huge applause.
The festival drew to a fitting close with dazzling Bharatanatyam presentations by four dancers –two female and two male- from ‘Angika Performing Arts’. Their presentations of ‘Sriram Abhisekh’ and ‘Durga Stutee’ showcased impeccable technique, expressive subtlety and dramatic intensity.
The dancers’ ability to convey intricate emotions with subtle expressions and movements made it a real visual treat for both trained and untrained eyes.
Founded in 2008 by Dr. Subhashree Pattanaik, Nrutyadham has been steadfast in its mission to preserve and promote Indian culture, classical dance, and music, and to take the rich artistic heritage of India to audiences across the globe.
Over the years, the institution has nurtured numerous talented disciples, many of whom have brought laurels to the institution by securing prestigious Junior and Senior Scholarships and achieving excellence in the field of classical arts.‘Nrutyadham’ regularly organises cultural events across India, providing valuable platforms for emerging artistes to showcase their talent.
The organization also invites eminent and renowned senior artists from across the country to perform and interact with young learners, enabling them to gain inspiration from their vast experience and artistic excellence.
Through its two branches-one in Bhubaneswar and one in Hyderabad, regularly conducts inter-school and open competitions in classical dance, music, and performing arts, encouraging students to hone their artistic skills and pursue excellence in India’s rich cultural traditions.
Beyond the performing arts, ‘Nrutyadham’ slo deeply committed to social responsibilities. Its initiatives such as plantation drives, blood donation camps, and cultural awareness programs aligned with the ideals of Swachh Bharat and Viksit Bharat, helping cultivate socially conscious citizens while strengthening cultural values.
What truly makes ‘Nrutyadham’ special is its commitment to inclusivity. The institution offers free Odissi dance training to the children from underprivileged families and slum communities. To ensure that financial hardship doesn’t become a barrier, the institution is providing ‘scholarship’ to deserving students, enabling them to continue their artistic journey uninterrupted.
Through unwavering dedication, discipline, and artistic excellence, ‘Nrutyadham’ continues to nurture future generations of performers while enriching and strengthening the cultural fabric of the nation.
