Cuttack: The millennium city bore witness to a vibrant celebration of classical and folk art forms as Biswanath Sangeetalaya, one of the city’s oldest cultural institutions, hosted the fourth edition of its annual festival ‘Prayas’ on Saturday at Kala Vikas Kendra.
The evening unfolded with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, graced by dignitaries including Deputy Collector Sujay Kumar Pati, District Culture Officer Nalini Kanta Sahoo, Rotarian Umashankar Pattanayak, Biswanath Sangeetalaya President Prafulla Kumar Ray, and the institution’s artistic torchbearer, noted Odissi dancer Dr. Dipti Routray.
The program kicked off on a devotional note with a Mangalacharan titled ‘Guru Vandana’, presented by the institution’s junior dancers and choreographed by Guru Routray with assistance from Sheetal Swain. With crisp movements and graceful formations, the young performers set the tone for the evening.
This was followed by ‘Jagannath Ashtakam’, performed by nine repertoire students. The piece, a spiritual tribute choreographed by Guru Routray, earned admiration for its synchronization and emotive expressions.The performance of ‘Radharani Sange Nache Muralipani’ by six accomplished dancers drew special praise. Their expressive abhinaya and polished technique brought the mythological scene to life, much to the audience’s delight.
Another standout item was ‘Kanhi Gale Murali Phunka’, in which five disciples of Guru Routray showcased not only their expressive skills but also their command over stage dynamics and formations. ‘Jaydevi Janmabhoomi’ was next, presented by eight budding dancers who portrayed Odisha’s vibrant festivals and traditions with palpable energy and charm, earning hearty applause from the crowd.
Changing gears, a group violin recital by Kamal Lochan Mohanty, Saisa Mohanty, and Aditi Mishra — disciples of Guru Pradeep Kumar Ray — provided a soulful interlude. Their rendition of Raga Jaijaiwanti set to Tala Teentaal, with rhythmic support from Guru Satyabrata Samal on the Tabla, was a treat for classical music lovers.
Young vocalist Aurodeep Ray, trained under Guru Prafulla Kumar Ray and Guru Bandita Ray, mesmerized the audience with his Odissi vocal ‘E Tharaka Shyama Dosha’ in Raga Kirvani and Tala Adatali. Another vocalist Falguni Ray followed with a Hindustani vocal recital ‘Sakhi Mori’, set to Raga Durga and Tala Jhaptaal. Her mellifluous voice and emotive delivery struck a chord with listeners.
Both vocalists were accompanied by seasoned musicians — Satyabrata Samal (Tabla), Guru Janardan Dash (Pakhauj), Guru Ajay Barik (Violin), and Guru Manisha Panda (Flute) — who lent rich textures to the performances.
To round off the evening on a festive note, audiences were treated to a lively bouquet of folk dance forms such as Dalkhai, Raserkeli, Gunjurgunja, etc. which had the crowd clapping along till the final beat.
What began in 1999 as a modest initiative by Prafulla Ray, father of Pradeep Kumar Ray, in Bachhada village of Bhadrak district has blossomed into a thriving cultural force. Named after his father, Biswanath Sangeetalaya has grown from a sapling into a strong tree, with flourishing branches in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.
Over the years, it has nurtured numerous artistes who have earned accolades on prestigious platforms.
As the curtains fell on ‘Prayas’, it was clear that the institution’s efforts are bearing rich cultural fruit — a legacy in motion and music.
The anchor of the evening was Biswajit Baliarsingh.
