‘Gita Govinda’ rendition thrills music lovers at fest 

The third day of Odisha Sangeet Mahotsav organised by Sangeet Sudhakar Balakrushna Das Foundation hosted stalwarts of the music industry including eminent Odissi singer Sangita Gosain

BHUBANESWAR: The third day of Odisha Sangeet Mahotsav organised by Sangeet Sudhakar Balakrushna Das Foundation witnessed mesmerising singing talents from every corner of Odisha at Bhanja Kala Mandap here Saturday.

The programme kick-started with a chorus singing by Kabichandra Kala Niketan, Rourkela, followed by acts of various musical institutes of Bhubaneswar, Jatni, Cuttack, Trirtol, Balasore, Koraput, Nimapada and Bhanja Nagar.

However, the solo performnance by eminent Odissi singer Sangita Gosain captured the imagination of the audience who remained glued to their seats as she performed ‘Geeta Govinda’ from Shri Jaydev’s composition’ 1^st Canto.

She also sang from the fourth canto ‘Chandan Charchita Nila Kalevar Pita Basna Banamali’ and 11^th canto ‘Bira Chitta Chhatu Vachan Rachanam Charane Rachita Pranipatam.’

Interacting with Orissa Post, Gosain said, “Odissi music is hugely influenced from Geeta Govinda. Interestingly, Geeta Govinda is sung in Srimandir every day. The history of Odissi music goes long back to the 2^nd century BC and its proof can be found in the caves of the twin hills of Khandagiri and Udaygiri. Basically, Odissi can be sung four ways. They are Bhavaanga, Ragaanga, Drupadanga and Natyanga.”

However, Gosain felt that the current scenario of Odissi music in the state is dismal. “Students are not serious about music and they want to perform the moment they learn. The humbleness in music industry is vanishing rapidly as students are satisfied with their performances easily. They don’t try hard to get the best out of their gurus which is a sad state of affairs. Only a few great masters are left in these times. It is time to find hidden talents who can take Odissi music to the zenith again,” she said.

The third day witnessed many musical stalwarts who viewed many of the performances and expressed their happiness over the participation of more than 160 singers. The concluding day programme will be performed Sunday. According to reports, many performers will be feted at the end of the fest.