Bhubaneswar: If you are a lover of Odissi abhinaya, July 6 evening at Bhanjakala Mandap is for you as Guru Debaprasad Das Foundation is organizing 10th Paripurnaa Nayika Nrutya Samahara, promising an evening where expressive storytelling through dance takes centre stage.
Founded in 1995 by Bipanchi Das, daughter and disciple of legendary Odissi exponent Guru Debaprasad Das, the foundation is hosting this landmark edition as a heartfelt tribute to the maestro on his 40th Punya Tithi (death anniversary).
While a bouquet of scintillating performances is lined up for the evening including Bipanchi Das’s two new choreographies, the evening’s other attraction is the presentation of the prestigious ‘Paripurnaa Samman’.
This year’s honours will be bestowed upon Guru Smt Bidisha Mohanty (USA) for her contribution to Odissi dance, Smt Bijayini Mishra for Odia cinema, and Smt Prabina Mohanty for Odia literature.
Staying true to the essence of the legendary Guru Debaprasad Das’s style, the evening has been exclusively curated around Odia abhinayas inspired by celebrated Odia poets. The style has long been synonymous with abhinaya, with connoisseurs believing that it is through expressive interpretation that a dancer’s artistry truly comes into its own.
Among the highlights are two abhinayas ‘Sakhi Mu Aji Dekhili Ghanashyama Nku’ and ‘Kie Ki Mantra Karichhi Sehi Shyama Chhabi Ti Mo Nayane Nachuchhi’, both are newly choreographed by Bipanchi Das and will be presented by the dancers of Guru Debaprasad Das Foundation.
The other performers who will make the evening special for art lovers will be Guru Smt Bidisha Mohanty, Guru Smt Rojalin Mohapatra, Sampoorna Indu Pani, Kshirabdi Tanaya Rout, Shilekha Sunil and Bidisha Priyadarsini, each bringing their own artistic finesse to the celebration.
The entry to the festival is free and the organisers have extended an open invitation to art lovers to turn out in large numbers and soak in an evening where poetry, devotion and dance blend seamlessly, keeping alive the rich legacy of legendary Guru Debaprasad Das.
