Bhubaneswar: The city art aficionados had a quality time enjoying some classic choreographies at the eleventh edition of Odissi dance evening ‘Ninaad’, organised by city-based Odissi dance institution Rudhrakshya Foundation at Rabindra Mandap on Tuesday.
Established in 2000 by eminent Guru Bichitrananda Swain, Rudhrakshya Foundation has carved a niche for itself in Odisha’s cultural landscape as a gurukul-style institution where young talents are nurtured. Over the years, its students have performed at may prestigious festivals across India and abroad, many have established themselves with fame and accomplishment outside India, reinforcing the institution’s mission to promote the classical dance form globally.
As the dusk settled over the city, Rabindra Mandap came alive with art lovers and common audiences thronging the venue in good number to witness the evening’s artistic offerings.
The evening was graced by distinguished personalities such as CSNA awardee musicologist Guru Ramhari Das, eminent Mardala player and CSNA awardee Guru Dhaneswar Swain and Odissi dance guru and SNA awardee Guru Bimbadhar Das who inaugurated the evening by lighting the auspicious lamp. Guru Bichitrananda Swain and the institution’s secretary Rohita Pradhan were also present on the dais.
The cultural evening opened with ‘Namami’, a Mangalacharan presented by eleven well-trained dancers of the institution who sought blessings of Lord Jagannath and offered prayers to Lord Ganesha, the remover of all obstacles. Set to Raga Megh and Kedar and Tala Chaturasra Ekatali, the item was choreographed by Padma Bibhusan Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, music by Pandit Bhubaneswar Mishra and dance directed by Santosh Ram and Biswajit Jena.
The dancers-Archhana Das, Ahisma Ekantika, Aadyashree Prusty, Anvi Balabantaray, Nirlipta Tripathy, Sai Sradha Jena, Lakshita Biswal, Aradhya Barisal, Saloni Balabantaray, Shreyasi Brahma and Saparjya Parida-captivated the audience with their facial expressions and body movements.
The next item was ‘Sthayee’, a pure dance item of the Odissi repertoire. One of the classic choreographies of Adiguru Pankaj Charan Das, the item was performed with finesse by Aadya Singh, Shrestha Mishra, Sanghavi Rath, Aradhana Mohapatra and Aadriti Mishra.
This was followed by raga Basanta based ‘Basanta Pallavi’, choreographed by Padma Bibhusan Guru Sri Kelucharan Mohapatra and music composed by Pandit Bhubaneswar Mishra. The dancers were Archita Rout, Bivashini Barik, Trupti Tanaya Behera, Debasmita Khuntia Ankita Sahu, Monalisa Patra and Soudamini Mohanta. With their symmetry rhythmic clarity and precision, they entertained the audience.
Adding a vibrant folk flavour, the fourth item showcased Palli Dance, a reflecting Odisha’s simple, joyful life of rural communities. Under the direction of Santosh Ram and Biswajit Jena, the artistes-Krishna Sahu, Divansh Mohanty, Krisika Das, Aaradhya Sahu, Simanjani Mehena, Saumya Shrabanee Sen, Advika Das, Subhalaxmi Sahoo, Yamira Mishra and Atharv Singh- infused the stage with infectious energy and rustic charm.
The classical momentum continued with ‘Shankarabharana Pallavi’, set to Raga Shankarabharan and Tala Ekatali, choreographed by Padma Bibhushan Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, music composed by Pandit Bhubaneswar Mishra. The dancers were Roji Swain, Debasmita Muduli, Aeioush Gunaprava, Avipsa Biswal, Sudeepa Rout, Satasha Samanweeta Pradhan and Krittika Panda. The impeccable synchronization, graceful spatial patterns and neat performance mesmerized the audience.
A highlight of the evening was a ‘Khamaj’ raga based abhinaya ‘Sritakamala’, This is a beautiful piece of abhinaya based on an excerpt from Jayadeva’s epic Kavya “Geeta Govinda”. In this verse, the poet praises Lord Vishnu and recites his deeds in an invocation. The item was choreographed by Padma Bibhusan Guru Kelucharana Mahapatra and music composed by Pandit Bhubaneswar Mishra and the dancers were Santosh Ram, Biswajit Jena, Basistha Jena, T. Tulika Reddy, Lopamudra Sahoo and Anjali Dash who left the art lovers glued to their seats with their powerful performance.
The spotlight was then shifted to a vibrant folk dance. Eleven artistes dressed in traditional costumes presented ‘Sambalpuri dance’, adding colour and vibrancy to the evening. The dancers were Archhana Dash, Ahisma Ekantika, Aadyashree Prusty, Anvi Balabantaray, Nirlipta Tripathy, Sai Sradha Jena, Lakshita Biswal, Aradhya Barisal, Saloni Balabantaray, Shreyashree Brahma and Saparjya Parida.
The penultimate item was ‘Mahakali Stutee’, choreographed by Guru Bichitrananda Swain and music composed by Guru Binod Bihari Panda and rhythm by Guru Bijay Kumar Barik, depicted the various manifestations of Goddess Kali. The dancers portrayed the divine power and intensity of the Goddess with striking imagery and emotive strength.
The concluding item of the evening was another energetic performance ‘Sambalpuri dance’, directed by Dushasan Sahoo. The dancers’ spirited movements, rhythmic footwork, and expressive formations drew enthusiastic applause, bringing the curtain down on a memorable cultural soirée.The artistes were Archita Rout and Trupti Tanaya Behera, Debasmita Khuntia, Ankita Sahu, Monalisa Patra and Soudamini Mohanta.
The programme was seamlessly anchored by Dr Srinivas Ghatuary.
