California: Lasya Kreation, the esteemed Odissi dance institution founded in 2018 in California’s Bay Area, on June 14 observed its annual festival at Ananda Hall, Balaji Temple, North First Street, San Jose here on June 14.
The event stood testimony to Lasya Kreation’s objective to propagate India’s classical dance heritage, celebrating the beauty and depth of Odissi through a series of captivating performances.
Under the visionary leadership of founder Guru Kaveri Mishra and the revered guidance of Padma Shri Guru Kumkum Mohanty, Lasya Kreation continues to uphold the legacy of the legendary Padma Vibhushan Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra.
As a non-profit institution committed to cultural preservation, the academy’s artistic endeavors continue to thrive across the American diaspora.
After the auspicious lighting the lamp ceremony attended by guests including Mayor of Santa Clara, Lisa M Gillmor, the cultural evening commenced with a traditional Mangalacharana—‘Guru Vandana’—setting a spiritual and graceful tone.
The performance lineup included an eclectic bouquet of classical pieces: ‘Batu’, ‘Vasanta Pallavi’, ‘Malkosh Pallavi’, ‘Saveri Pallavi’, ‘Matangi’, and expressive abhinayas such as ‘Dekhago’, ‘Hari Riha’ from Jayadeva’s Ashtapadi, ‘Kielo Sajani’, ‘Swagatam Krishna’, ‘Dashavataar’, and concluded with ‘Moksha’.
Among the evening’s standout solo presentations were an abhinaya ‘Radha Rani’s by Shrestha Nayak, ‘Hari Riha’ by Dr. Suchismita Mohanty, ‘Dashavataar’ by Amrita Mohapatra, and ‘Dekhago’ by Sanvi Rath. Notably, ‘Kielo Sajani’ was performed by Lipika Nayak, a disciple of Debashis Pattanayak, while ‘Saveri Pallavi’ was presented by Shoma Sinha, a disciple of Dipti Mallick.
Several of the evening’s highlights were choreographed by Guru Kaveri Mishra herself, including ‘Guru Brahma’, ‘Malkosh Pallavi’, ‘Swagatam Krishna’, and ‘Dekhago’—works that reflected both technical finesse and creative vision.
The evening drew appreciation from connoisseurs and general audiences alike, who remained enthralled till the concluding piece.
The festival reaffirmed Lasya Kreation’s pivotal role in nurturing Odissi arts and spreading its legacy beyond Indian shores.
