Deesha, a day-long Odissi dance festival, was organised by Srijan, Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra Odissi Nrityabasa, at Uttam Mancha on January 8. To keep Kelucharan Mahapatra’s legacy, Ratikanta Mahapatra and Sujata Mahapatra (son and daughter-in-law of the maestro) presented a gorgeous evening on his 80th birthday, featuring senior dancers like Madhavi Mudgal, Jhelum Paranjape, Daksha Mashruwalla, Aloke Kanungo, Sutapa Talukdar, as well as the students of the institution.

Inaugurated by Hema Malini, the evening session began with Shiva pancha mukha stotram, an invocatory number. Choreographed by Ratikanta, the enthusiastic dancers proved their tech-nical perfection and total involvement. The stotram was followed by pallavi, a pure dance number based on raga Bagesree. This yugma-dvandva, an all-time favourite of Samjukta Panigrahi, sparkled with intricate footwork and smart and synchronised choreographic patterns. Music by Raghunath Panigrahi was a real treat.

Though it was difficult to captivate the audience after a scintillating and colourful rhythmic group presentation, Saswati Garai, awardee of Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra Yuva Pratibha Samman, showed verve and vigour in her neat presentation of Shiva-Parvati.