The 16thDhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav jointly organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha, the Orissa Dance Academy and the Art Vision unveiled a scintillating evening for its audience with the majestic Dhauli Stupa in the background.
The three- day festival's inaugural presentation comprised Odishi dance by Orissa Dance Academy and Srjan, Bhubaneswar. Both the institution combinedly presented Pallavi, an offering which was a tribute to Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra. Pallavi set to Raga-Sankaravaran and Taal-Ektali and Raga- Hanshadhwani and Taal-Ektali. It is a pure dance form with movements of lyrical grace. The dance composition was made by Guru Kelucharan Moahapatra, music by Pandit Bhubaneswar Mishra and dance choreography was made by Guru Aruna Mohanty and Guru Ratikanta Mohapatra.
Evening's next presentation was Kathak dance by Rajashree Shirke, founder of Lasya Centre for Dance Education and Research, Mumbai. They presented prodigious and miraculous story in the history of the Vaarkari Sampradaaye of Maharastra saint poetess Kanhopatra, a story that bewilders historical and spiritual enthusiasts till today. The script, concept, choreography, direction and costume design was made by Shirke.
Inaugural evening last presentation was contemporary dance by Astad Deboo and Group, Mumbai. Their dance interpreted Mahatma Gandhi's quotes in today's context. The dance had a mesmerizing spell on the audiences till the end.
The dignitaries who graced the occasion were Dr Priyambada Mohanty-Hejmadi, Devi Prasanna Patnaik, R Balakrishnan, Guru Aruna Mohanty and Guru Ileana Citaristi.