Child artistes perform Kuchipudi (top) and modern dance (above) at the Mahanagar Mahatsov in Berhampur. Pictures by Gopal Krishna Reddy

Berhampur, Jan. 18: Modern and Odissi dance by Ganesh Dance Group Aska Road, Little Dance Troupe Gajapati Nagar and Odissi Nrutyan Gajapati Nagar besides Bharat Natyam by Sanskruti Bhabanam, Berhampur was the main attraction on the fifth day of the Mahanagar Mahotsav held at the Khallikote College ground here on Sunday.

One of the interesting themes at the festival was the dance recital where children were shown playing with Lord Jagannath. This innovative recital was performed by child artists of Noopur. “The dance reflects the general child psychology through which they treat Jagannath not as a god, but as their friend. They talk, dance and mingle with Jagannath as any other friend who also reciprocates their response,” said Manju Nayak, the choreographer.

The other attraction of the cultural function in Mahanagar Mahotsav on the same evening was the performance of the artistes from Kelu Charan Kalatirtha, Berhampur. Three artistes— Rinarani Sahu, Amrita Sahu and Smrutisneha Sahu— performed Odissi on Panchadev Stuti and Gita Gobinda while Akankshya Ganguli, Smita Kar and Santarani Sahu performed Sambalpuri dance to the tune of Pani Marigala Jhain under the guidance of Guru Kanduri Charan Behera. “It was a delightful performance. I enjoyed each of the recitals by the dancers,” said Madhumita Sahoo, who was part of the audience.

Dance by child artistes of Project UP School Goilundi and melody by Pinku, Rashmi and others of the Jhoomer Orchestra and Dance Group at the same event on Saturday warmed the spectators in the chilly night.

The drinking water problem in Berhampur was discussed on the fifth day with guests including PCC member Bikram Panda, P.S.N. Patra, Govind Das and Sudhansu Sekhar Panda stressing on the need to supply water according to the population. MLA Ramesh Chandra Chau Patnaik and many other leaders discussed health services in Ganjam district on the fourth day of the festival.