Bhubaneswar: The 10th edition of Paripurnaa Nayika Nrutya Samahara turned into a celebration of expressive storytelling as six scintillating Odissi abhinays held the art lovers captivated at Bhanjakala Mandap, Bhubaneswar on June 6.
The evening unfolded as a heartfelt homage to legendary Odissi maestro Guru Debaprasad Das, whose unparalleled contribution to abhinaya continues to illuminate the classical dance tradition.
Organised annually by Guru Debaprasad Das Foundation in commemoration with the legendary guru’s punya tithi (death anniversary), this year’s festival marked his 40th death anniversary. Established in 1995 by Bipanchi Das, legendary guru’s daughter and disciple, the foundation, has steadfastly been working towards preserving and propagating the legendary guru’s legacy through festivals, awards and educational initiatives in India and abroad.
In the fond memories of the legendary guru, the foundation hosts another festival ‘Guru Debaprasad Das Award Festival’.
The evening witnessed the presence of esteemed guests including celebrated Odissi dance exponent Padma Shri Guru Kumkum Mohanty, eminent Odissi dancer and CSNA awardee Guru Dr Snehaprava Samantaray, renowned Mardala player and CSNA awardee Guru Dhaneswar Swain and noted cine journalist Surya Deo who inaugurated the festival by lighting the auspicious lamp. The foundation’s president Gopal Kumar Mohapatra and secretary Bipanchi Das were also present on the dais.
The spotlight was then shifted to the presentation of prestigious ‘Paripurnaa Samman’. The award was bestowed upon Odissi dance exponent Guru Smt Bidisha Mohanty (USA), acclaimed actress Smt Bijayini Mishra and celebrated litterateur Smt Prabina Mohanty for their immense contributions to their respective fields.
While the guests heaped praise on Bipanchi for her dedication and efforts to preserve and propagate her father’s legacy and wished success for foundation in the coming years, in a candid observation, Padma Shri Guru Smt Kumkum Mohanty remarked that Guru Debaprasad Das’s abhinayas surpassed those of her own guru (Padma Vibhushan Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra), underscoring the legendary maestro’s unmatched mastery over expressive dance.
Since the legendary Guru Debaprasad Das is synonymous with abhinaya, the evening remained true to its soul by presenting six abhinayas, including Bipanchi’s two choreographies.
The cultural segment got off to a flying start with a mesmerising abhinaya by Guru Smt Bidisha Mohanty, the founder and artistic director of Indradhanush Center for Excellence, USA. She presented ‘Sakhi Mu Aji Dekhili Ghanashyama Ku…’, set to Raga Raga Malika and Tala Khemta and Ektali.
Choreographed by Bipanchi Das, music composed by Matruprasad Das and rhythm by Buddhanath Swain, the piece narrates the feeling of a Mahari who beholds Lord Krishna in Lord Jagannath within the temple sanctum. With her impressive abhinaya and commanding stage presence, Guru Smt Mohanty left none in doubt that she has the complete command over the art of abhinaya.
Keeping the momentum alive, young Odissi dancer Khirabdi Tanaya Rout, a disciple of Bipanchi Das for the past fourteen years, presented ‘Kie Ki Mantra Karichhi…’, set to Raga Sudhabasanta and Tala Ektali, music composed by Guru K Ramarao Patra and rhythm by Guru Dhaneswar Swain and choreographed by her teacher Bipanchi Das. Her purity in style, impeccable techniques and perfect expressions made the item enjoyable, earning warm applause from the rasikas.
The next performer of the evening was Guru Rojalin Mohapatra, whose artistic journey has been shaped under the guidance of Guru Bichitrananda Swain, Padma Shri Guru Gangadhar Pradhan, Guru Manoranjan Pradhan and Padma Shri Guru Aruna Mohanty.
An ‘A’ grade artiste of Doordarshan, Guru Rojalin Mohapatra presented ‘Bajuchhi Sahi Bajare…’, choreographed by Padma Shri Guru Gangadhar Pradhan and Padma Shri Guru Aruna Mohanty and music composed by Guru Bijay Kumar Jena. In this piece, she effortlessly slipped into the role of Radha’s confidante, cautioning her about the rumours of her love affair with Krishna. Her neat presentation struck all the right notes and won wholehearted appreciation of the art lovers.
Keeping the audience thoroughly engrossed, Odissi dancer Sampoorna Indu Pani presented ‘Naja Jamuna Lo Sahi…’, set to Raga Khanda Kamodi and Tala Rupak.
Choreographed by Guru Bichitrananda Swain, music composed by Guru Binod Bihari Panda and rhythm by Guru Bijay Kumar Barik, the piece shows a sakhi warning Radha against Krishna’s playful mischief at the Yamuna and urging her not to go to the river. Sampoorna brought out Radha’s bashfulness with admirable subtlety, weaving together delicate emotions that lingered long after the performance ended.
The penultimate performer of the evening was Bidisha Priyadarsini, a disciple of Guru Swayamprava Sahoo for fourteen years.
She presented ‘Kie Lo Sajani Keli Kadamba Mule…’, choreographed by Padma Shri Guru Durga Charan Ranbir and music composed by Guru Sukanta Kumar Kundu.
Bidisha’s expressive storytelling moved the art lovers with her portrayal of a village woman, who, unaware of Krishna’s true identity, gets overwhelmed at the first sight of the enchanting flute player beneath the Kadamba tree, gradually discovers that the handsome stranger is none other than Lord Krishna. Her restrained yet evocative abhinaya earned sustained applause.
The curtains came down on a memorable evening with an engaging abhinaya ‘Srimati Sripati Brundabane Keli Rachile’ by Srilekha Sunil, a disciple of Guru Dhrubacharan Biswal and Guru Debasish Pattnaik from Bangalore.
Choreographed by Padma Shri Guru Durga Charan Ranbir and directed by Guru Debasish Pattnaik, music composed by Guru Sukanta Kumar Kundu, the piece transported the art lovers to the enchanting groves of Vrindavan, where Radha (Srimati) and Krishna (Sripati) revel in divine love, joy and playful enchantment. Dancing with infectious charm and complete emotional immersion, Srilekha breathed life into every gesture, drawing the audience into Krishna’s blissful world and bringing the festival to a fittingly enchanting close.
While Anuja Tarini Mishra anchored the programme seamlessly, Bipanchi Das ensured every aspect of the festival ran like clockwork, making the milestone edition a memorable celebration of the guru’s enduring artistic legacy.
