Bhubaneswar: The three-day 20th edition of Guru Debaprasad Award Festival hosted by Tridhara at Rabindra Mandap here concluded on October 24, treating art lovers to a captivating solo Kathak performance by eminent Kathak exponent Pt. Bhupendra Baret and mesmerizing violin recital by Grammy Awardee & World Music Icon Pt. L. Shankar.
As the dusk settled on the capital city, Rabindra Mandap auditorium came alive with art lovers occupying their seats in eager expectation of an evening steeped in artistic excellence.
Staying true to the festival’s tradition of punctuality, the event began at 7.00pm with the emcee of the evening Dr Mrutyunjay Rath inviting dignitaries to the stage.
Smt. Anita Subhadarshini, Aska MP; Shri Babu Singh, Ekamra Bhubaneswar MLA; Shri Ashok Kumar Tripathy, Former Member, Board of Revenue, Govt. of Odisha inaugurated the evening by lighting the auspicious lamp. Tridhara’s president Shri Suresh Chandra Panda, working president Shri Simanchal Panda and director Guru Dr. Gajendra Kumar Panda were also on the stage.
The evening then proceeded towards the felicitation ceremony. The prestigious Guru Debaprasad Lifetime Achievement Award 2026 was conferred upon Padma Shri Guru Ramlal Baret of Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, for his contribution to Kathak, and Padma Shri Guru Simanchala Patra of Ganjam, Odisha, for his contribution to Prahallad Natak.
Eminent Odissi exponent and CSNA awardee Dr. Snehaprava Samantaray of Bhubaneswar received the Guru Debaprasad Award 2026 for her contribution to Odissi dance. Similarly, the Guru Debaprasad Yuva Prativa Awards 2026 were presented to Shri Guru Raju of Bengaluru for Kuchipudi dance and Ms. Mokshada Tripathy of Cuttack for Odissi dance.
Adding to the evening’s celebratory spirit, young Odissi dancers Ms. Dibyashree Kar of Bhubaneswar and Ms. Swapnarani Panigrahi of Paralakhemundi were felicitated with the Guru Debaprasad Sishu Prativa Awards 2026 for their promising talent in Odissi Dance.
Subsequently, the programme moved seamlessly into cultural segment.
The first performer of the evening was Pt. Bhupendra Baret, son and disciple of Padma Shri Guru Ramlal Baret of Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh.
A celebrated torchbearer of Raigarh gharana of Kathak dance, Pt Bhupendra Baret commenced his recital with a Ganesh Stutee ‘Gajananam Bhutaganadi Sevitam’, followed by ‘Taal Paksha’ where he was at his best.
His years of rigorous training and dedicated practice were evident as he demonstrated some technicalities of the Raigarh Bandish like ‘Uthan’, ‘Amad’ ‘Paran’, ‘Gat’ ‘Gat Nikash’ ‘Chalan’ etc.
With impeccable footwork, expressive hasta mudras, fluid body movements and dazzling spins, he left the audience wanting for more.
He concluded his presentation with ‘Prabhuji Mero Avgun’, a Surdas bhajan, leaving the audience with a lingering sense of devotion and delight.
Choreographed and music composed by his father and mentor Padma Shri Guru Ramlal Baret, the three-part presentation proved to be a refreshing treat for Bhubaneswar art lovers, who are more accustomed to witnessing Odissi performances.
The recital offered a compelling glimpse into the richness and distinctive aesthetics of the Raigarh gharana.
The spotlight was next shifted to Grammy awardee violinist Pt. L. Shankar.
The inventor of 10-string stereophonic double violin, Pt. L. Shankar’s performance elevated the evening to another musical high. Showcasing his remarkable virtuosity, the maestro presented the North Indian Raga ‘Raga Kafi’, followed by a dhun.
He was ably accompanied by Pt. Prosenjit Poddar and his son Rhythm Poddar on the tabla. The seamless jugalbandi between the Violin and the tabla instantly transported the audience to a different world rhythm and melody flowed in perfect harmony. The artistes received a spontaneous standing ovation.
The programme was coordinated by Guru Dr. Gajendra Kumar Panda, Smt. Rina Panda, Shri Ashutosh Panda and Shri Prabhutosh Panda.
As the curtains came down on the three-day festival, conversations among rasikas in the foyer centered around the evening’s lingering magic. Some expressed their eagerness to wait till next edition of the festival.
Founded by the legendary Odissi maestro Guru Debaprasad Das, Tridhara is one of pioneering Odissi dance institutions in the country, committed to preserve and promote the rich legacy of the illustrious founder.
Photo courtesy: Tridhara
