Bhubaneswar: The second evening of the five-day 32nd Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra (GKCM) Award Festival unfolded at Rabindra Mandap Sunday with a captivating confluence of classical music and dance.
Renowned Sarod maestro Pandit Tejendra Narayan Majumdar mesmerised the audience with his recital, while acclaimed Odissi dancer Lipsa Satpathy presented an evocative solo performance.
The festival is being organised by Srjan – Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Nrityabasa in collaboration with Sri Sri University, Kataka.
The evening commenced with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp in presence of distinguished guests, including eminent Odissi vocalist and Pandit Guru Ramhari Das, Mothers Public School, Bhubaneswar founder Poly Pattnaik, Jagadguru Kripalu University, Kataka VC Rabinarayan Satpathy, noted classical and light music vocalist Parthasarathi ‘Babu’ Panigrahi, and Srjan Director Guru Ratikant Mohapatra.
The musical segment began with a sarod recital by Majumdar, one of the leading exponents of the Senia Maihar Gharana.
The Padma Shri and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award recipient demonstrated his command over the instrument by seamlessly blending the traditions of dhrupad, tantrakari and gayaki. He was accompanied on the tabla by Satyajit Talwalkar.
The second half of the evening was dedicated to solo Odissi by acclaimed dancer Lipsa Satpathy.
Her performance highlighted the grace, vitality and expressive richness of the classical dance form. She opened with Panchabhuta, set to Raga Ragamalika and Tala Talamalika.
This was followed by Devagandhari Pallavi, and concluded with Odia abhinaya Kahibaku Laja.
Satpathy was supported by Rupak Kumar Parida on vocals, Agnimitra Behera on violin, Soumya Ranjan Joshi on flute, Sitakanta Jena on mardala and Rohit Pradhan on manjira.
The festival has been conceptualised by Guru Ratikant Mohapatra and executed by Deviprasad Mishra, while Mrutyunjay Rath conducted the evening’s programme.
