Dhauli: The three-day long 17th Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav at the foothill of Dhauli Shanti Stupa on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar city came to an end Monday.
After the customary lighting the ceremonial lamp, the cultural evening began with The Classical-Folk Fusion (Ananya Odisha) by Naivedya, Bhubaneswar. Ananya Odisha projecting Odisha with its vibrant colour celebrating her spirit. The lyrics prepared by Kedar Mishra, music composed by Guru Bijay Kumar Jena, Guru Sachikanta Nayak and Guru Sumanta Mohanty, rhythm composed made by Guru Dhaneswar Swain and Guru Bijay Kumar Barik. Guru Aruna Mohanty and Bijay Kumar Sahoo choreographed it.
The following item was a Kuchupudi dance recital by the talented dancers of Shambhavi School of Dance from Bengaluru lead by Guru Vyjayanthi Kashi. Their first item was Kuchipudi recital by meditating on the beautiful form of Lord Vithoba followed by Adivo Alladivo a famous composition of Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya where he brings alive the mesmerising beauty and uniqueness of the seven hills. Their next item was Neela Megha Sareera followed by Kubja where it is narrated how an ugly hunched woman transforms into a beautiful woman by her love and dedication towards Lord Krishna. All presentations were choreographed by Guru Smt. Vyjayanthi Kashi and the dancers did justice.
The third presentation of the evening was an Odissi dance recital presented by the dancers of Nrutya Nilaya from Angul lead by Guru Swapnarani Sinha. Their first item was Agnee Shuktam, a mythical theme based creation by Swapnarani Sinha followed by pure dance form Chakmravaka Pallavi.
The concluding item of the concluding evening was Sareikela Chhau dance presented by the talented dancers of Acharya Chhau Nrutya Bichitra from New Delhi lead by Guru Shashadhar Acharya. They presented Jatraghat set to Tala-16 and Raga-Desh followed by Bhupati Monoranjana based on martial movement on a special tala pattern and melody. Next item was Garuda Vasuki set to Raga-Miyankimalhar and Charukeshi and Tala-8 matras followed by Pharikhandakhelo based on technical aspects that were common to the Akhada period in Sareikala Chhau.
The dignitaries who graced the occasion were Western Odisha Development Council, chairman, Asit Kumar Tripathy; Skill Development Authority, chairman, Subroto Bagchi; chairperson, Mo School, Susmita Bagchi; director, tourism, Sachin Ramachandra Jadhav; secretary, Orissa Dance Academy, Guru Aruna Mohanty and secretary, Art Vision, Guru Ileana Citaristi.
Dr. En. Srinivas Ghatuari and Nazia Sayeed anchored the evening.
The festival is organised by Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha in collaboration with Orissa Dance Academy, Bhubaneswar and Art Vision, Bhubaneswar.
By kalasanskruti
Photo courtesy: Odisha Tourism
