The Vedvyas Music and Dance Festival, one of the most famous cultural festivals of the State, kicked off to a colourful start here on Friday evening.
The five-day-long extravaganza is being organised since past 16 years by Bhanja Kala Kendra (BKK), a leading organisation engaged in promotion of art and culture.
Rourkela Steel Plant chief executive officer GS Prasad inaugurated this grand event as chief guest, while National Institute of Technology Director Sunil Sarangi graced the occasion as guest of honor.
lauding the rich culture and heritage of Odisha and the efforts of BKK for working towards development of culture and heritage of the country, GS Prasad said that this festival has been providing a platform to many budding artistes to showcase their potential. “Also it offers an opportunity for creation of inter-cultural bonding as artistes from different parts of the country perform their art,” he added.
Dakhini dance, the traditional and most popular dance of western Odisha, was performed by a group of artistes of Sambalpur Kala Parisada which enthralled the audience. Harmaanpreet and Group, a troupe from Gurudaspur of Punjab, put up a spell-bound show through their Bhangra dance.
About 300 artistes from 20 different groups will put up their performances during this festival.