Bhubaneswar: Chinmayee Classics, one of the premier institutions dedicated to Odissi dance and music, hosted Raja Utsav 2026 at Lord Vishnu Temple, Sahid Nagar, on Sunday.
The cultural extravaganza drew a packed audience, many of whom remained glued to their seats till the curtain came down on the final performance. The evening began on an auspicious note with social worker and secretary of Jaya Maa Bhabani Charitable Trust and advocate Sovedita Ray and educationist Dipti Prava Rath inaugurating the festival by lighting the auspicious lamp.
On this occasion, the guests felicitated eminent Odissi dance exponent guru Minakhi Behera with Raja Prativa Samman in recognition of her invaluable contribution to preserving and promoting the ancient classical dance tradition.
The cultural showcase opened with a devotional pushpanjali offered to Lord Jagannath by ten students of Chinmayee Classics. They then presented Mangalacharan ‘Ghana Sundara’, describing different ‘beshas’ and rituals associated with the deity. The performers included Tanishka, Priyanshi, Alisha, Akanksha, Urvi, Harshita, Aishani, Trishika and Sanvi.
Keeping the momentum alive, Nibhanshi, Priyanshi, Sadhana, Arati and Rajalaxmi presented ‘Barsha rani’ and ‘Chale Jaise Hawa…, setting the tone for an energetic evening and leaving the audience tapping their feet.
The art lovers were then treated to a solo Odissi dance recital. Baibhavi Mohanty presented ‘Basant’ Pallavi, set to Raga Basant and Tala Ektali, showcasing grace and technical finesse.
A group Odissi dance presentation ‘Banshi Ra Sure’ was presented next by the students, leaving the audience captivated. The following item was a solo dance by Sunita Behera who presented ‘Sakhi Sange’. Her presentation was enjoyable, earning warm appreciation from the spectators.. The next performance was a group Odissi dance ‘Nagendra Haraya’, presented by Saumya, Shreyanshi, Oyshika, Priyanshi and Shreyambhi. The same ensemble continued with an elegant presentation with ‘Basant Pallavi’, further raising the artistic tempo of the evening.
Adding a splash of colour and diversity, three senior dancers-Sneha, Bhagyashree and V Manyata- presented Assamese folk dance ‘Bihu’, leaving the art lovers entertained. Adding a different flavour to the evening, Aisha Nayak came with her spirited performance ‘ Jhumka Gira Re’.
Senior members of Chinmayee Classics-Rashmirekha Tripathy and Babita Mohapatra- set the stage alight with their powerful performance ‘Jaiphula, drawing thunderous applause from the audience.
Thereafter, the evening proceeded towards a grand finale with dance presentations on ‘Apsara Alli’ and a Raja song ‘Nali Nali Alata, Tipi Tipi Chandana’ songs, bringing the festival to a fitting close.
Despite a brief drizzle, the festive spirit remained all throughout the evening as the audience stood by the artistes and cheered every performance till the very end.
Raja celebration is incomplete without ‘poda pitha’. To mark the occasion, the members of Chinmayee Classics distributed pieces of ‘poda pitha’ and other traditional delicacies among the audience.
With a rich blend of classical, semi-classical, folk and Bollywood-inspired performances, the evening offered something for everyone, making it a memorable cultural experience.
Chinmayee Classics has been organizing ‘Raja Utsav’ for the past eight years. It also hosts annual ‘Stabaka Festival’, a festival of classical dance forms.
Founded in 1991 by Guru Prabhati Kar, a disciple of Odissi legend and Padma Vibhushan awardee Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, Chinmayee Classics has been dedicated to promoting Odissi dance, music, instrumental arts and crafts. Over the years, its disciples have represented at numerous state, national and international festivals, carrying the rich cultural legacy of the state far and wide.
