Sonepur: Two dance performances from Bengal and Assam stole the show on the opening day of Suvarna Loka Mahotsav on Gandhi ground here on Sunday evening.

Purulia chhau and bihu performances left the audience spellbound.

The Purulia chhau embodies the vigour of martial grandeur and an epic style of performance which is akin to Mayurbhanj chhau. It is a masked dance presentation that reflects village culture and exhibits influence of tribal elements. Another performance that won accolades from the audience was the Bihu dance from Assam. The joyous dance, characterised by brisk dance steps, and rapid hand movement, was performed by both young men and women.

Dancers wore traditional colourful Assamese attire. It is a dance related to the traditional Bihu festival of Assam. Other performances in the evening included Rajastani dance from Rajasthan, Dhaap from Titilagarh, Sambalpuri performances by Kala O Kalakar of Sambalpur and folk dance by Nataraj Kala Parishad of Balangir.

Earlier in the evening, minister of water resource and urban development Niranjan Pujari inaugurated the event.

Addressing the audience, the minister said that the culture of an area defined the region.

"The richer the culture of an area, the more developed the area. Sonepur has been a place of rich cultural heritage. Its arts, literature and cultural tradition has contributed significantly to the state," he said.

On the occasion, the souvenir, Shaktaswara, was released by the guests. Painter Padmanava Mishra and nephrologist Amod Mahakud were felicitated for their contribution in the field of arts and medicine, respectively.

The district council of culture and state department of language, literature and culture organised the festival, which is celebrating its silver jubilee this year.