Bhubaneswar: A month after a confluence of Odisha’s rich cultural tapestry with the Rajarani Music Festival, Mukteswar Dance Festival, and International Odissi Dance Festival coinciding with Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Bhubaneswar between January 7 and 12, the Odissi fraternity once again came together—this time, to honour the life of the legendary maestro and father-architect of Odissi dance, Guru Shri Kelucharan Mohapatra, who was born on January 8, 1926.
This year, Sṛjan—Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Nrityabasa (GKCMON) collaborated with Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre (GKCM ORC) to commemorate Guruji’s 99th birth anniversary by paying tributes to the legend with an evening of classical dance and music at 7 pm at Utkal Rangamancha, Bhubaneswar on February 12, 2025.
In reverence to the late Guru, the proceedings commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp by esteemed guests and dignitaries, including, Manoj Kumar Pattnaik, Eminent Theatre Personality, Dhira Mallick, Eminent Theatre Personality, Guru Laxmikant Palit, Eminent Music Director and Composer, Guru Bichitrananda Swain, Eminent Odissi Dancer, Smt. Anuja Tarini Mishra (OAS), Administrative Officer, GKCM Odissi Research Centre and Odissi vocalist, Guru Shri Ratikant Mohapatra, Director, Srjan, Bhubaneswar and Dean, Faculty of Arts, Communication and Indic Studies, Sri Sri University, Cuttack.
The programme for the evening was in two parts—A music performance followed by a group dance presentation. In the first half, entitled ‘From Raga to Bhava—A musical experience with Rupak Kumar Parida,’ the audience witnessed the soulful recital of renowned vocalist Shri Rupak Kumar Parida, accompanied by the able and versatile musical accompaniment of Shri Nikunja Bihari Samal on the Tabla, Shri Bhabatosh Mohanty on the guitar, Shri M. Shimadri on the flute and saxophone, and Shri Dipu Dash Mohapatra on the keyboard.
With his characteristic command of voice and mellifluent tunes, Shri Parida carried the performance from the fountainhead of a melody to its culmination as a transformative experience for the audience. One of the most sought-after vocalists of Odisha, he is an established singer with over 60 original compositions, having undertaken years of rigorous training under eminent guru Dr. Bijay Kumar Jena, and mentorship under Guru Ghanashyam Panda, Guru Ramahari Das, Guru Purushottam Parida, and Guru Pradip Kumar Das. The cadence of the Tabla, silken notes of the guitar and keyboard, and the harmony of the flute and saxophone added measurably to the vocals, as the musical orchestra weaved through the complexities and nuances of various melodies making for a euphonic experience for the audience.
The second and final presentation for the evening was a group Odissi dance presentation by Guru Pitambar Biswal and his troupe Suravi. A senior Odissi dance exponent and disciple of Guru Shri Durga Charan Ranbir, Guru Pitambar Biswal is an accomplished Odissi dancer and versatile artist, and the recipient of awards including the Guru Samman Award and Guru Deba Prasad Das Award. His institution Suravi is a prominent cultural organization that focuses on socio-cultural inclusion and sensitisation across different social strata. They presented ‘The Spirit of Odissi, The Soul of Tradition,’ in homage to the age-old parampara of Odissi. Befittingly, their dance presentations were in veneration of Lord Krishna, the Supreme Brahman.
Suravi commenced their performance with a Krishna Vandana, invoking the blessings of the Almighty, praying for his eternal protection, compassion, and grace. The finale was a portrayal of the Balagopalashtakam, comprising eight verses based on the childhood activities of baby Krishna, describing his divine beauty, many antics, and his enchanting nature. Set to the music composition of Guru Ramhari Das and Shri Sukanta Kumar Kundu in Ekatali and Jati Tala, Balagopalashtakam is a choreography of Guru Durga Charan Ranbir, with the evening’s group composition by Dr. Pitambar Biswal. The dancers of Suravi, Abhipsa Bhanja, Debasmita Behera, Pallavi Ghose, Ananya Priyadarshini, Sweta Sahu, Mirabala Samantaray, and Kirti Bijaini expressed their devotion and dedication both to the Almighty and the Art form, presenting a memorable finale with commendable group synergy and sincerity.
They were illumined on stage by the vibrant and brilliant light designing of Shri Debiprasad Mishra, who leaves no stone unturned in his immense contribution to both programme planning and execution, under the aegis and vision of Guru Ratikant Mohapatra. The proceedings for the evening were ably conducted by the eloquent and professional Dr. Mrutyunjaya Rath. With time, Sṛjan continues to commemorate Guruji’s precious legacy with the same sincerity, excellence, and diligence that the late maestro cherished.
