RESHMI YADAV, OP
Bhubaneswar: The five-day 31st Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra (GKCM) Award Festival 2025, organised by Srjan–Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Nrityabasa, commenced here at Rabindra Mandap, Friday. The event marks over three decades of celebrating India’s performing arts. The festival carries forward the vision of the late Padma Vibhushan Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra to nurture appreciation for classical arts.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by veteran theatre exponent Ananta Mahapatra, former Revenue Board member and SAIL Director Ashok Kumar Tripathy, UMSL Vice Chairperson Paramita Panda, and Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh, who lit the ceremonial lamp. They were felicitated by Guru Ratikant Mohapatra, Director of Srjan and Dean, FACIS, SSU.
The opening evening featured a captivating performance by Odissi exponent Sujata Mohapatra and her daughter Preetisha Mohapatra. Their presentation included Guru Vandana and Satyakama Jabala, a philosophical tale from the Chhandogyopanisad, choreographed by Guru Ratikant Mohapatra. The mother-daughter duo’s interpretation resonated strongly, symbolising the lineage of values and artistry passed across generations.
This was followed by Devatmayee – The Soul of the Gods by Manipuri exponent Smt. Bimbavati Devi and her troupe, Manipuri Nartanalaya. The production explored the concept of the Mother Goddess in Manipuri traditions alongside Vedic interpretations, blending indigenous music with Vedic chants. The event is being supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and the Odisha Department of Odia Literature, Language and Culture, while Orissa POST and Dharitri are print media partners.