Bhubaneswar, June 21: Celebrations of World Music Day gripped the city as various cultural institute and organisations observed the occasion with fervour.

The concept of a particular day dedicated to music was started in France in 1982 and the occasion is being celebrated throughout the world ever since then.

The celebration of World Music Day has also caught up in the state in the last couple of years.

A number of cultural programmes were held in Bhubaneswar on this occasion.

The Utkal University of Culture organised special celebrations and programmes on Tuesday to observe World Music Day wherein a number of eminent artistes of the state regaled the audience with their startling performances.

“Celebrating the occasion is a step towards promotion of music among different generations,” said Amiya Kumar Pattanayak, vice-chancellor of the Utkal University of Culture.

Dance festivals and music concerts were also held at other auditoriums in the city.