Bhubaneswar: A kaleidoscope of performances in classical and martial art forms regaled the audience at the three-day Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav that concluded here on Sunday.

The festival was a unique confluence of more than 500 artistes belonging to various art forms of Indian dance and a celebration of diversity.

The festival aimed to preserve, promote and popularise the heritage of Indian forms at the national and international levels.

The 14th edition of the festival was organised by the tourism department in association with Odisha Dance Academy and Art Vision.

"Dhauli Mahotsav celebrates the divine while the Kalinga Mahotsav explores the vigour of martial arts moves blended with the sophistication of dance," said Odissi dancer and Odisha Dance Academy secretary Aruna Mohanty.

An instrumental fusion by Shivagni, Bhubaneswar, was the highlight of the event. Combining themselves into a rich pool of talent and experience, the ensemble demonstrated the vitality and appeal of good music, performed with perfect coordination and understanding.

Presentations of Manipuri dance was also appreciated.

A Chhau martial dance by Subhashree Mukherjee and group was another highlight. They presented Panchabhuta - five elements - visualised through different choreographic patterns that were shown in their original and harmonious state with earth signifying solid, water as liquid, fire as heat, wind as prana and ether as space.

The presentation was conceptualised and choreographed by Ileana Citaristi with music composed by Shantanu Mohapatra and Niranjan Bhol.

A poetry recitation by Devdas Chhotray and Bharatnatyam dance by Leela Samson and her group were also appreciated.

Bhavan's Centre for Communication and Management vice-chairman S.K. Tamotia, Odia lyricist, actor and scriptwriter Atulya Mahakud, Odissi mardala exponent Dhaneswar Swain and Odissi dress weaver Bhagirathi Das received the Guru Gangadhar Pradhan Smruti Samman for their contribution to Odissi.