Bhubaneswar: The Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR), regional office, Bhubaneswar, in association with Gunjan Dance Academy, presented ‘Madhugunjan’ under its horizon series December 25. Due to prevailing pandemic situation, the programme was held virtually.
The first item of the evening was brought by Guru Meera Das, whose brainchild is Gunjan Dance Academy.
She presented ‘Kekikantha’, an invocation to Lord Rama. In this item the dancer was excellent in describing how similar is the body of Lord Ram with the neck of peacock, how beautiful is the communion of Lord Ram and Devi Sita and the bond between Lord Ram and his greatest devotee Hanuman. She was so perfect in transforming from one sequence to another that the entire presentation was a treat to eyes. The item is one of the best choreographies of late Padmavibhushan Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, music composition by late Pandit Raghunath Panigrahi.
The following item was ‘Soorya’, a group presentation. In this item-a prayer to Sun God-the senior dancers of Gunjan Dance Academy narrated why He is a universal savior. By destroying the darkness and evils, He brings about the brightness and divine light of victory into life of human beings. The seven horse rider lord’s power and strength save the earth from all vices. The dancers bow down before him to get His blessings. The dancers enacted these aspects of Sun God in an enjoyable manner.
The dancers’ synchronisation, coordination and use of stage space added beauty to the presentation. Indeed, they did justice to Guru Meera Das’s choreography. Late Sumanta Mohanty’s music composition needs special mention.
The third and last presentation was ‘Nachanti Range Srihari’. In this piece, the dancers left nothing to be desired as they went on narrating the activities in kunja like Lord Krishna dancing in the kunja, the sakhis singing and dancing with him, Gopanganas playing different instruments and Gopis singing in different ragas, praising Lord Krishna. The dancers body language and strong footwork contributed to the success of this presentation. It was originally choreographed by Padmavibhushan late Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, music composition by Pandit Bhubaneswar Mishra. The group composition is by Guru Meera Das.
By kalasanskruti
Photo courtesy:ICCR
