The Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) organised an evening of solo Odishi dance recital featuring noted dancer Suhag Nalini Das under its horizon series on Saturday.
The evening opened with the customary Mancha Pravesh, Bhumi Pranam and Sabha Pranam as described in the Natya Sasthra by Suhag Nalini Das. It was followed by Panchadeva Stutee based on Raga Malika and Tala Ek Tali by Suhag. She paid obeisance to five Gods i.e. Ganesh, Narayan, Durga, Shiva and Surya.
Suhag also presented Shankarabharana Pallavi on the occasion.
Abhinaya segment began with Madhurastaka, one of the best works of Pandit Ballavacharya. With Raga Malika and Tala Malika, the dancer took fragile gestures and crisp footwork. She presented the childhood of Krishna with much more gestural imagery. This item was followed by Panchakanya. Depicting the character Draupadi, Suhag enthralled the audience with her Abhinaya.
The concluding item was Moksha, based on Raga Vairabi.
All the performances were choreographed by Adiguru Pankaj Charan Das.
Sarat Das spoke about the programme. The evening saw a huge attendance of dance connoisseurs as well as common people.