The magic of mesmerizing Odissi dance recital and the popular ‘Ghoda Nacha’ and Sambalpuri Folk Dance created an ambiance of celebration filled with rhythmic beats and melodious tunes in the 4th evening of the 26th edition of the enthralling Vedvyas Sangeet Nrutyotsav-2023. Notably the 5-day dance and music extravaganza is organized under the aegis of Bhanja Kala Kendra at the open air stage of Bhanja Bhavan Exhibition Ground in the Steel City Rourkela.
Mr. Jual Oram, Hon’ble MP & Chairman, Parliamentary Standing Committee of Defence graced the evening as the Chief Guest. Mr. Aseem Kumar Ghosh, Regional Manager, State Bank of India, Padmashri Ileana Chitaristi were the Guests of Honour on the occasion. The dignitaries lighted the ceremonial lamp and paid obeisance to Lord Jagannath to mark the inauguration of the evening. Padmashri Dr. G Padmaja Reddy, Padmashri Dr. Utsav Charan Das were also present on the occasion.
Padmashri Dr. Ileana Chitaristi was felicitated with lifetime achievement award in the evening.
The classical dance segment of the evening began with an exquisite and fascinating group Odissi dance performance by renowned Odissi Exponent Padmashri Ileana Chitaristi and her group from Bhibaneswar. In the impressive dance recital ‘Meghadootam’, a lyrical poem from Mahakabi Kali Das, Ileana looked posed through both her expression and fleet footwork. Her serene eyes and the simplicity of approach were vividly visible in her enchanting performance. An enthralling Ghoda Nacha Folk Dance was presented by Padmashri Dr. Utsav Charan Das and his troupe from Chowdwar. The artists of Bhanja Kala Kendra presented attractive Sambalpuri Folk Dance which was applauded by the large number of audience present on the occasion. The cultural programme commenced with a riveting Flute concert presented by Guru Sri Narendra Nayak and his troupe.
Notably, the programme is being organised with the support of Bhanja Cultural Trust under the guidance of Mr. Tarun Mishra, President, Bhanja Cultural Trust & ED (P&A), RSP.
Mr. Subha Shankar Raychoudhury, CGM, RMHP & President, Bhanja Kala Kendra welcomed the gathering while Mr. Radha Krushna Mohapatra, General Secretary, Bhanja Kala Kendra coordinated the inaugural ceremony. Mr. Aseem Kumar Behera, Advisor, Bhanja Kala Kendra proposed a formal vote of thanks. Mr. Sasanka Pattnaik, Assistant Manager (PR), RSP and Ms. Koena Dastidar anchored the show.