Bhubaneswar, Feb 12: 14th Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav organized by Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha, Orissa Dance Akademy and Art Vision concluded on Sunday.
Rejuvenating the nuances of Kathak, Kuchipudi, Odissi and Contemporary, the valedictory evening was really a splendid one leaving the connoisseurs mesmerized.
This year ‘Ruchi Buddha Samman’ was presented to Dr. Sonal Mansingh, Padma Vibhushan, Iconic Cultural Personality of India, Guru, Choreographer, Social Activist, Researcher and Motivational Speaker.
First item of the Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav concluding evening is Poetry recitation by Subroto Bagchi, Chairman of Skill Development Authority of Odisha followed by Kathak Dance by Vidha Lal and Group. They presented an item on River Ganga. Like the glistening streams of this river, piousness runs parallel with its name Ganga. The river Ganga stands like a canvas of serenity, filled with the colours of women fetching water from the banks, showing their faith into it by performing “Aarti” and thanking the river for its life giving existence. Originating from the matted locks of Lord Shiva, it helps us to end the journeys of our lives in a holy way by taking us back in its own flow in the form of ashes, hence completing the circle of life.
Next presentation was the River Yamuna in the form of Kuchipudi dance by Prateeksha Kashi and Group. Yamuna, the sacred river of India, thousands pray to her to cleanse them off their sins and generously, she blesses them all.
In this choreography, river Yamuna narrates various episodes from her memory that occurred on her very banks. She transports us to a time when Lord Krishna played Raas with the Gopis and mesmerised them with his divine charm. Yamuna recollects the moments of joy that she experienced when the blue Lord danced on her banks with his magical feet. Yamuna is overcome with gratitude as she remembers how the benevolent lord Krishna saved her from the poisonous serpent Kaliya.
Evening next presentation of Dhauli-Kalinga mahotsav was Odissi dance by the students of Orissa Dance Academy, Bhubaneswar. Their presentation was Ahimsa – An Ode to the father of the Nation. Gandhi’s path breaking struggle to attain freedom and experiment with truth and non-violence.
The choreographic presentation made by the student of Orissa Dance Academy under the direction of Padmashree Awardee Guru Aruna Mohanty, knit Gandhi’s life as poetic appliqué where his ideas and philosophy of life are showcased through music and dance are superb and memorable. The script was made by Kedar Mishra, music composition was done by Guru Ramhari Das and the dance was choreographed by Guru Aruna Mohanty.
Contemporary Dance by Madhu Nataraj and Group presented an item ”AIKYAM- Invoking Equipoise”. Today we live in a frightening reality replete with hatred, intolerance, chaos and violations. Of the belief that our Dance has to respond the exigencies of the times we live in, Aikyam explores the concept of balance, Dharma and Ahimsa. The dance was Choreographed by Madhu Nataraj which entertained the audience till the end.
The dignitaries who graced the occasion were Smt. Minati Mishra, Odissi Exponent, Dr. Priyambada Mohanty Hejmadi, Former Vice Chancellor, Sambalpur University and Odissi Exponent, Ashok Kumar Tripathy, Former Member of Board of Revenue, Dr. Kamalakanta Mishra, Secretary, Odisha Sangeet Natak Academy, Dr. Nitin Bhanudas Jawale, Director Tourism, Shri Satyananda Mishra, President, Orissa Dance Academy; Guru Aruna Mohanty, Secretary Orissa Dance Academy and Guru Iliana Citarist, Secretary Art Vision.
