Bhubaneswar: The Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Odissi Sangeet Mahotsav, organized by the Sangeet Sudhakar Balakrushna Das Foundation, witnessed a vibrant confluence of emerging and veteran artists on its third day.
The performances beautifully highlighted Odisha’s rich cultural heritage through Odissi music.The festival featured three distinct sessions—morning, afternoon, and evening—each showcasing the diversity of Odissi culture through captivating musical presentations.
The evening session commenced with the observance of a silent prayer to mourn the demise of late Odissi dance maestro, Guru Mayadhar Raut.
The ceremonial lamp lighting was led by NALCO’s Executive Director Ashutosh Rath, eminent Odissi vocalist Dr. Shyamamani Devi, IFFCO’s Public Relations Officer Dr. Prasanna Kumar Beura, Foundation’s president Manoranjan Panigrahi, vice-president Kshirod Pattnayak, Secretary Guru Ramahari Das, Guru Nimakanta Rautaray, Guru Dr. Sachikanta Nayak, and Guru Keshab Chandra Raut.
The first performance of the evening featured a choral recital by artists from the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre. Their rendition of the raga Malavagauda, accompanied by the composition “Mita Chaha E Para,” left the audience spellbound.
Guru Rabindranath Mishra’s presentation of raga Chhayamodi and the emotive rendition of “Sate Ki Bhangi Kala” by vocalist Ashalata Sarangi captivated the spectators, evoking deep emotions.
The event was seamlessly conducted by Dr. Mrutyunjaya Rath and Professor Lokanath Mohanty, with assistance by treasurer Raghunath Das.
With over a thousand vocal artists participating, the festival truly stood as a grand celebration of Odissi music, uniting tradition and contemporary expressions on a prestigious platform.
