The fourth evening of the Konark Festival here on Wednesday witnessed serene presentations of dances in classical Kuchipudi and Odishi styles.
Renowned Kuchipudi exponent Dr Alekshya Punjala and her troupe came onto the stage with superb choreography on the tradition prayer invoking and supplicating Goddesses Saraswati and lakshmi and Devi Mahakali.
The pieces showcased the intricate footwork bringing out the vibrancy of the Kuchipudi art form.
The audience seemed to be transported to the realms of art with the soul-stirring presentations of the exponents.
Then came Dr Ileana Citaristi with disciples of her Art Vision who enthralled the spectators by presenting Shivastaka followed by Kala, a unique choreography based on ‘Time’. Time, the creative and the destructive force is omnipotent which controls the whole universe with all its activities.
Set to the text of Devdas Chhotray, the choreography, one of its kind, marked the music composition of Annada Prasanna Pattnaik and the rhythmic note of Guru Sachidananda Das and the sublime choreography of Ileana.
At the outset, the ceremonial lamp was lighted by eminent danseuse Dr Priyambada Mohanty Hejmadi, the world-renowned Odishi dancer Guru Aruna Mohanty and celebrated Odishi musician Dr Sangeeta Gosain.
Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi Secretary Chitta Ranjan Malia, OTDC GM Bishnupada Mishra and Additional Secretary, Tourism Maguni Patra helped coordinate the programmes, compered by Dr Sadhana Srivastav and Dr Mrutyunjaya Rath.