A two-day Saptasajya Mahotsav, organised by the Debansi Dance Academy at the Mini Stadium here, concluded with much fanfare on Sunday.
Attending as chief guest on the concluding day, Dhenkanal Municipality Chairman Indramani Behera appreciated the effort of young Odishi dancer Gauri Shankar Dash for organising the grand festival.
Indian Institute of Mass Communication head Mrinal Chatterjee said Dhenkanal has acquired a special space in propagating and preserving Odishan art and culture.
Cine artist Jaya Goswami, Braja Singh, Odishi dancer Guru Naba Mishra, Odishi Dancer Jyotsnarani Mishra, artist Dilliswar Moharana, fine art Guru Paresh Patnaik, Odishi vocal Guru Prafulla Kumar Sahu and Cuttack Sura Mandir dance group director Jyotsna Sahu were felicitated with Saptasajya Samman for their outstanding contribution in their respective fields. Academy president Shanti Mishra presided over the meeting. MP Tathagat Satpathy inaugurated the festival on Saturday. Cultural programmes including Bihu dance, Odishi dance drama Sakhi Gopinath, Punjabi and Gida dance also held.