Konark: The fourth evening at the 36th Konark Festival, organised by department of Tourism, in collaboration with Sangeet Natak Akademi and Odisha Tourism Development Corporation, unfolded Thursday with captivating classical dance traditions. Set against the backdrop of UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Konark Sun Temple, artistes showcased timeless beauty of Manipuri and Odissi dance, reflecting India’s profound cultural heritage.
The evening kicked off with a soulful presentation of Manipuri dance by artistes from Bimbavati Devi’s Manipuri Dance Theatre, Kolkata. Bimbavati Devi, a distinguished exponent with decades of experience, brought forth Lilakamla, a composition inspired by the traditional Gosthali dance, originally created by legendary musician Guru Bipin Singh. The performance depicted the heroic episodes from the life of Lord Krishna, seamlessly blending dance, rhythm, and music rooted in the Vaishnava traditions of Manipur.
The choreography, designed by Bimbavati Devi, offered an immersive experience for the audience. Following it, the stage was adorned with the grace and precision of Odissi, presented by Guru Bharat Charan Giri and the artistes of Bharati Nrutya Mandir, Bhubaneswar. Their first presentation, Charukeshi Pallavi, showcased the lyrical beauty of the raga through refined movements and rhythmic complexity. The choreography by Guru Bharat Charan Giri, musical composition by Guru Vijay Kumar Jena, and rhythmic arrangements by Guru Dhaneswar Swain and Guru Ajay Kumar Chowdhury brought the composition to life. Their second presentation, Gajanan received warm admiration from the audience. The festival will conclude Friday.
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