The concluding evening of the 11th Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav at the foothill of the Dhauli here on Sunday strived to rejuvenate the nuances of Indian classical dances, music and Chhau dance. Ruchi Masala Director Arabinda Sahoo presented the Ruchi Buddha Samman to Padma Bibhusan Shilpiguru Ragunath Mahapatra for his outstanding contribution in the field of art.
The programme began with Charishnu comprising Indian classical dances. It included a selection of the classical, folk and martial dances. This was conceived and directed by leena Samson. In the title Charishnu, the first performance was Bharatnatyam by leela Samson and Group followed by Kathak Dance by Aditi Mangaldas and Group.
The next item was Manipuri by Priti Patel and Group followed by martial art form Thangta by students of the Anjika Institute. It was followed by a presentation of Kathakali by Sadanam Balakrishnan and Group and Odishi dance by Aruna Mohanty and Group. Charishnu concluded with the music ensemble by Dhaneswar Swain and Group in Mardala and Cranatic Vocal by Mahesh Vinayakram and group.
The ultimate item was Mayurbhanj Chhau dance performed by artists of the Mayur Art Centre, Bhubaneswar depicting The Kalinga War. Ashoka, the young king of Magadha, notorious as Chandashoka, had tried to conquer Kalinga with a huge army. The bank of river Daya was littered with corpses. The gory scene of death of millions tormented Ashoka with remorse and repentance. At this moment, a Buddhist monk, Upagupta, arrived on the scene and brought peace to his burning heart by initiating him to Buddhism with the chanting of Buddam Saram Gachhami.