Post news network
Konark, Dec 3: Kuchipudi and Odissi performances in the backdrop of the Sun Temple marked the third day of the annual Konark Dance Festival Wednesday.
A group of 15 performers from Srinibasa Kuchipudi Art Akademi Hyderabad mentored by Guru Sobha Naidu presented Pranamaamyaham, a dance form praising Lord Ganesha, as well as Deva Devam Bhajhe, in praise of Lord Rama. The dance Swagatham Krishna depicted Krishna’s return to Mathura after killing Kansa, with the show ending with the quick beats of mangalam.
“Some of the group members are performing for the first time in Konark. The artists are very excited as it is one of the major events in the country,” said Naidu.
“The artists, who are all students, get relief from the tension of their studies,” she said. “For my students, performing here is a thrilling experience. All are from Hyderabad except one who is from Tripura and one from Bangalore.”
The evening also saw an Odissi dance performance by a group of 17 artists from New Delhi under the guidance of Padmashree Ranjana Gauhar. “The theme of today’s performance is Sri Gita Govindam written by Jaydev. Through this dance form the complexities of divine and human love is expressed,” Gauhar said.
“The dance will be based on the poem, which is dedicated to the intense and passionate love of Krishna and Radha,” said Gauhar.
This is the 25th year that the Konark festival is being celebrated said festival coordinator Sangeeta Gosai. The Konark festival, which is being organised by the tourism department and the Orissa Sangeet Natak Akademi, will continue till December 5.
