Classical music lovers of the city enjoyed an Odishi vocal recital by Nazia Alam and Hindustani classical recital by Kolkata-based singer Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty at the Rabindra Mandap here on Saturday evening.
The programme was organised by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) in association with the Pandit Kashinath Pujapanda Smruti Sansad as a musical tribute to the legendary Pujapanda.
The fest kicked off with an electrifying performance by Nazia Alam with Raga Mishra Jhinjhoti and Tala Jati. The classical song Sate ki bhangi kala se jaha banka chahanilo in her voice mesmerised the audience. The second item of Nazia was Natyangai sajakanja nayana kunje aare followed by Gita Govinda.
After the Odishi recital was the Hindustani classical by Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty.
On the occasion, Guru Biswanath Pujapanda and Padamshree Ajoy Chakrabarty were felicitated with the Pandit Kashinath Pujapanda Samman for Odishi Sangita and Hindustani Classical Song, respectively. Nazia Alam was honoured with the first Urmila Patnaik Smruti Samman for Odishi vocal.
late Urmila Patnaik was one of the disciples of Guru Kasinath Pujapanda and the honour is named after her.
Commissioner-Cum-Secretary of State Tourism & Culture Department Dr Arabinda Padhee inaugurated the programme in the presence of Dr SK Tamotia and social worker Kumar Haldar. President of the organisation Arjun Charan Samal presided over the event while Mrutyunjay Rath coordinated the programme.