Paradip, Dec. 15: Artistes showcased Carnatic dance and music forms in the two-day Karnataka Utsav in Paradip.

The rich artistic dexterity of the performers from the southern state won appreciatiation from the port town's culture connoisseurs.

'It's an endeavour on part of the Karnataka government to provide the much-needed exposure to art, culture, folk dance and music forms of the state. Events of this nature would also make Karnataka a preferred tourist destination. The government has undertaken such festivals in other parts of the country. However, it is being held for the first time in Odisha,' said S. Pragyan, joint director of culture, Karnataka government.

'We preferred Paradip as the venue of the festival because it has an excellent track record of hosting such national events,' said Pragyan.

'Bhramari dance performances, backed up by classical poems in Kannad, were exciting to watch. Soothing music coupled with classical dance forms left the audience spellbound,' said Sriman Mishra, secretary of Canmass, a socio-cultural organization.

The festival featured folk dance and musical performances. Despite linguistic barriers, the classical and rhythmic effect of the presentations was exhilarating.

'Dance and music has a language of its own. It goes beyond any regional dialect. We may not understand the words but can feel the essence of the performance through its symbolism. One can visualise its meaning with the help of artistic expressions,' said Atulya Mohapatra, president of Canmass.

'Apart from the dance and musical performances, the theme of the festival included all forms of literature and fine arts into its presentations,' said Dolagobind Rath, a theatre personality.

'Carnatic music and dance comprise a wide variety of classical and folk forms. Such art forms are meant not only for entertainment but also for the spiritual improvement of the performers and the beholders,' said Sneha Kappanna, art director of the festival.