Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi under the aegis of the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department, Government of Odisha, on Sunday, observed the World Music Day at Rabindra Mandap, Bhubaneswar.
The evening unfolded as a grand tribute to the rich and diverse traditions of Indian music, keeping the audience spellbound till the very end.
The event was inaugurated with the lighting of the auspicious lamp by Special Secretary of Culture Department Deba Prasad Das, Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi secretary Dr Chandrasekhar Hota, renowned Odissi vocalist Guru Ramhari Das, eminent Mardala exponent Guru Dhaneswar Swain, music director and composer Guru Laxmikanta Palit, lyrisict and composer Badri Mishra and financial adviser, Culture Department Dr Pramod Kumar Mandal.
The evening opened with Odissi vocal recitals by Dr Himanshu Sekhar Swain and Matruprasad Das. With their mellifluous voices, they wove magic through Odissi Dhruba Padanga ‘Harachandi Malashri’, set to Raga Tripata, followed by a Raganga ‘Jare Ja Sakhi…’ on Raga ‘Deba Gandhari’ and Tala Ekatali and a Chapa Sangeeta ‘Chanha Nayana Chape Madana Mohana’.
Their soulful renditions instantly struck a chord with the audience and earned warm applause.
They were ably supported by Sitakanta Jena on Mardala, Saumya Ranjan Gahan on Harmnium, Soumya Ranjan Joshi on Flute Ratik Patra and Chandra Sekhar Biswal on Tanpura and Jayguru Pradhan on Manjira.
Keeping the momentum alive, Guru Sandeep Kumar Raut took centre stage with a solo Sarod recital. His masterful recitation of Raga ‘Charukeshi’, featuring Bilambit Rupak, Madhyalay Teentaal and Drut Teentaal left the art lovers mesmerized. He was accompanied by his disciple Matruprasad Panda on Tabla.
Young Hindustani vocalist Prajna Mishra then had the audience in her thrall with her captivating recitals. She opened her recital with ‘Kaise Sukh Soyein’, set to Raga Bihaag, Tala Bilambit Ektal, followed by a Chhota Khayal ‘Latt Uljhi’ and a Bhajan ‘Mayi Savare Rangaraj’. Basudev Swain on Tabla and Jeebana Prakash Das on Harmonium lent her a good support.
The spotlight was then shifted to Rabiratan Sahu and Group from Bargarh, who presented ‘Adi Dhun’, a vibrant showcase of traditional instruments like Dhaap, Ghudka, Madal, Mrudanga, Dhol, Nisan, Tasa, Dhunkel, Ghumura, Brahmabina, Kathi, Jhanja, Gini and Khanjani. The beautiful incorporation of the instruments captivated the audience.
The rich tapestry of rhythms and sounds earned enthusiastic appreciation from the audience.
Adding another highlight to the evening, visually challenged sitarist Bhimsen Maharana, currently a lecturer at Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalay, Bhubaneswar, delivered an enthralling solo recital in Raga Megh, exploring the the intricacies like ‘alap’, ‘jod’, ‘jhala’, ‘bilambit’ and ‘drut teentaal’. The art lovers were visibly deeply impressed.
The programme concluded on a high note with Soumyajit Soumitri Badapanda from Sambalpur presenting ‘Maleshree’ and ‘Dand’. He was supported by Krushna Chandra Bag on dhol, Mrutyunjay Sahani on Keyboard, Kshitish Bag on Nisan, Anurudh Bag on Tasa and Sangita Sahu and Sunil Maharana on Percussion.
On the occasion of the celebration of the World Music Day, Odisha’s vibrant musical heritage and the enduring power of music once again brought people together.
