POST NEWS NETWORK
Bhubaneswar: The Orissa Government’s department of tourism and culture in association with Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre launched a five-day International Odissi dance festival 2017 at Ravindra Mandap here Tuesday showcasing 19 dance events. Guru Aruna Mohanty, Sangita Gosian, Guru Banamali Maharana and Guru Ranvir formally inaugurated the “poetic dance show”.
Mohanty said the
classical dance festival “is a unique platform for artistes for whom music, dance and spirituality are interrelated.” The artistes’ physical grace accompanied by music boosts spiritual ecstasy, she added. The evening’s first performance was presented by Sovaly Ray who left spectators spellbound with her amazing artistry.
Purnata Mohanty performed an epic poetry of love portraying Mother Yashoda who tries to awaken young Krishna from sleep while recapitulating his pranks and naughtiness. The dance transported the audience into a consciousness of bhakti. Noor Raza and Tithibhadra Mohapatra showcased a duet ‘Haragouryastakam’ based on ardhanariswar wherein Mata Parvati represents generative force, while Lord Shiva represents destruction. The duet also showcases how Shakti and Shiva (energy and positive force) are the true manifestation of the universe.
This magnificent ‘larger than life’ depiction transcends the spectators into an esoteric divinity. The other performing artistes of the evening included Jyoti Ranjan Das, Debasis Patnaik, Surendra Mohapatra, Ananya Parida, Sushree Sangita Nayak and Leena Mohanty. Three groups also performed Tuesday evening. The programme was compered by Srinivas Ghaturiya.
