Bhubaneswar: Tridhara, a leading Odissi dance institution committed to preserving the distinctive style of the late Guru Debaprasad Das, lit up the stage at Bhanja Kala Mandap on Friday evening with Debasmruti 2025—an enchanting evening dedicated to Odissi dance.
The festival celebrates the unique Gharana of Guru Debaprasad, seamlessly blending classical Odissi with tribal and folk traditions.
The evening began on an auspicious note with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by eminent dignitaries including Suresh Chandra Panda, Former CEO of Prasar Bharati; R. N. Das, Secretary of KIIT, KIMS & KISS; Prof. Harekrushna Meher, former Sanskrit HoD of Gangadhar Meher University; Dr. Ramesh Prasad Panigrahi, former English HoD of Ravenshaw University; Surendra Das, Secretary General of Chinta O Chetana; and Simanchala Panda, Working President of Tridhara.
The stage came alive with the inaugural performance, Mangalacharan ‘Laxmi Nrusingha Dhyana’, presented by Lity, Harshita, Ria, Aarya, Sibani, Muskaan, and Saloni. This was followed by ‘Minanayana’, performed by Mokshada and Harapriya, setting the tone for an evening steeped in tradition and finesse.
A soulful Odia Abhinaya, ‘Kede Chanda’, took center stage next, performed by Priyanshi, Shivangi, Osheen, and Siddhiksha.
The energy peaked with a vibrant portrayal of ‘Dasavatara’ by a large ensemble of young dancers including Sikhyanshi, Sweta, Aaradhya, Shreyanshi, Subhashree S, Aditya, Jigyanshu, Sanvi and Subhashree P.
Each item, from ‘Uthilu Ede Begi’ by Anwesha, Shivanshi, Sampurna Vaishnabi and Sibangi to ‘Kalabati Pallavi’ by Mokshada, Harapriya and Shreya and ‘Manaudharana’ by Ipshita, Rutuja and Ria, marked by the dancers’ graceful postures, nuanced expressions and impeccable synchronization.
A standout moment of the evening was the duet ‘Ardhanariswar’, performed with sublime grace by Priyanka and Priyansa, leaving the audience spellbound.
The evocative presentation ‘Nabarasa’ by Shreya, Madhubrato, Suvashree, Pinky and Lity, followed by the dynamic finale ‘Durga Tandav’ by Rutuja, Muskan, Dibyashree, Trisha, Suniska and Sibani brought the house down with thunderous applause.
All performances were choreographed by Guru Gajendra Kumar Panda, whose vision and dedication to the Debaprasad style were evident in every rhythm and gesture.
The dancers, many of whom were trained at Tridhara’s International Summer Odissi Workshop, danced with the kind of fluidity and precision that had the audience glued to their seats.
The program was anchored with charm and clarity by Ms. Soma Mohapatra and coordinated seamlessly by Assistant Director Prabhutosh Panda.
