Bhubaneswar: A condolence and tribute meeting in memory of internationally-acclaimed Odissi danseuse Vidushi Bijayalaxmi Mohanty was held at the Buddha Mandir Auditorium, Unit-9, Bhubaneswar, on September 16.
Bijayalakshmi Mohanty passed away on September 3, 2026, at the age of 69, casting a pall of gloom over the world of dance, with artists, scholars and admirers mourning the loss of a distinguished exponent of Odissi.
The programme began at 10:30 a.m. with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and floral tributes at the portrait of Bijayalakshmi Mohanty. The gathering then observed a two-minute silent prayer in her memory.
This was followed by devotional songs performed by noted artistes including Pradip Kumar Das, Prashant Samal, Bibhudatta Nayak and Smerendra Nayak.
Several dancers, educationists and artistes associated with her artistic journey took to the stage to recall her immense contribution to the field of dance. They shared their memories of the late danseuse and prayed for the eternal peace of her departed soul.
Dr. Ramesh Chandra Pani, secretary of the Kedarnath Research Centre, announced that the Bijayalakshmi Mohanty Memorial Award would be presented every year in recognition of contributions to the arts.
A Bijayalakshmi Mohanty Memorial Committee was also constituted at the meeting to carry forward her legacy and keep her artistic contributions alive.
The programme was attended by Guru Dhaneswar Swain, Padma Shri Guru Durga Charan Ranbir, Guru Dr Manoj Kumar Behera, Guru Dr Gajendra Panda, Guru Sanatan Nayak, Guru Brajakishore Mallick, Guru Nimakanta Routray, Guru Nita Bohidar, Guru Minakshi Behera, Guru K Ramarao Patra, Guru Suresh Khuntia, Guru Niranjan Rout, Guru Keshab Rout, Guru Pushparanjan Mangaraj, Guru Swapnarani Sinha, Guru Manjushree Panda, Guru Namita Ray, Guru Gayatri Ranbir, Guru Joshaswini Swain, Guru Prashant Maharana, Guru Prativa Panda, Guru Gayatri Chand, Guru Gobinda Chandra Pal, Guru Ankita Behera, Guru Sushree Mohanty, Guru Sujata Mishra, Guru Samarendra Nayak, Guru Debananda Samal, Guru Sanjukta Das and many others.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks.
