POST NEWS NETWORK
Bhubaneswar: Bharatnatyam by danseuse Leela Samson and her group and Mallakhamb by a group from the organisation, Fatefighter, occupied the centre stage on the second day of the Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav being held at the foothills of the Dhauli here, Saturday. Artistes of Fatefighter from Puri led by Gyana Ranjan Mohanty presented ‘Mu Buxi,’ a mixture of Mallakhamb, Paika Akhada and theoretical attributes. “This is a completely choreographic programme telling the story of Buxi, King Mukund Dev and his Prime Minister Jayarajguru.
Our presentation portrays Buxi who raised his voice against British rule after the death of Jayarajguru. We added glimpses of the Paika Revolt of Khurda through dance, drama and Malkhamb,” Mohanty said. The story of legendary Buxi
Jagabandhu was woven with a mixture of Orissa’s traditional dances like Paika, Sahi Jata (folk theatre) and Malkhamb. Around 60 artistes participated in the show. Gyana said that Fatefighter members practice in small temples and Akhaadas
in Puri.
Fatefighter is the only Mallakhamb organisation in the state working for the promotion of the traditional sport since the last three decades. The organisation was founded with 13 members, but now it has 130. Mallakhamb is a traditional Indian
sport in which a gymnast performs feats and poses with a vertical wooden pole. Mallakhamb also refers to the pole used in the sport. The Malla in ‘Mallakhamb’ means a gymnast or a man of strength and Khamb means pole.
Bharatnatyam was another treat for visitors which was presented beautifully by Leela Samson and her group from Chennai. They presented ‘NadiThe River’, portraying the tale of rivers, the source of life from time immemorial. The recital was a unique creation of Leela and seven artistes participated in it. Leela is a dancer, teacher, writer and choreographer of Bharatanatyam. She has won Padmashri, Sangeet Natak Akademi and Sanskriti Awards. She has also served as the Director of Kalakshetra Foundation and Chairperson of the Sangeet Natak Akademi as well as the Central Board of Film Certification.
