Bhubaneswar: The stage came alive with mesmerising performances as the state-level ‘Gotipua Dance Festival’ began at Utkal Rangamanch on the premises of the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.
The three-day festival, organised with the support of the Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department in collaboration with Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre, Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi and Lokakala Sangha, will continue till September 1.
As many as 20 dance troupes from across Odisha are participating in this cultural event to showcase the centuries-old tradition of Gotipua Dance.
The inaugural ceremony witnessed a gathering of distinguished personalities such as Padma Shri recipients Odissi dancers Guru Aruna Mohanty and Guru Ileana Citaristi, Guru Ramahari Das, Dr. Chittaranjan Mallia, Guru Gobinda Gopal and noted vocalist Dr. Sangeeta Gosain. Among others, Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi Secretary Dr. Chandra Shekhar Hota, Deputy Director of Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department and Administrative Officer of Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre, Smt Suchismita Mantri, were present and formally inaugurated the festival.
Speaking on the occasion, Smt Mantri said, “Gotipua is an inseparable part of Odia culture, deeply intertwined with our rich dance tradition. The organisation of this State-Level Gotipua Dance Festival not only nurtures emerging talent but also helps in preserving and popularising our traditional dance heritage.”
The first day of the festival featured a panel discussion on ‘Music and Performance in Gotipua’, followed by captivating performances by leading dance troupes such as Chandrasekhar Gotipua Kala Sansad, Kailash Gotipua Nrutya Pratishthan, Maa Ashtabhuja Gotipua Kala Parishad, Murchhana Gotipua, Baba Gorekhanath Gotipua Dance Association, Maa Santoshi Gotipua, and Bankeswari Gotipua Nrutya Parishad.
The art lovers thronged in good number enjoyed the vibrant celebration of Odisha’s unique cultural legacy.
