Bhubaneswar, March 24: An array of classical Indian forms has kept the audience glued to their seats at a dance festival hosted in the city.

The three-day event -Bharatiyam - concluded on Tuesday at the open-air auditorium of the Doordarshan centre here.

Veteran Odissi artiste Madhavi Mudgal was the first performer of the festival. Known for her finesse in abhinaya or enactment of tales through dance, she gave an enchanting performance.

Kuchipudi dancer Ananda Shankar Jayanth, a well-known face in the classical dance fraternity, presented a composition based on the victory of good over evil.

Among other dance forms showcased in the national dance festival, dancer Neena Prasad performed Mohiniattam. A group Odissi recital was also presented at the event by artistes of the GKCM Odissi Research Centre.

"We enjoyed sharing the stage with dancers from across India specialising in various classical forms," said Pallavi Das, an Odissi artiste.

The event has been hosted to mark the foundation day of Doordarshan, Bhubaneswar. "The performances are telecast live on DD Bharati," said A. Maheswar Rao, programme head of Doordarshan, Bhubaneswar.

Out of the eight Indian classical dance forms, the five were performed on Monday and Tuesday evening.

Purva Dhanashree presented a Bharatnatyam recital, while Anwesa Mahanta enchanted the audience with her Sattriya performance. Students of Utkal University of Culture performed an Odissi composition.

"It is always a pleasure to watch classical dance forms. After a long gap, we got a chance to witness various classical forms, and that too, by well-known artistes," said Priti Mohanty, a viewer.

On the concluding day, Sruti Bandopadhyay performed Manipuri, while Richa Jain showcased Kathak and Jayadeva Varma presented Kathakali.

Dancers of the Kala Vikash Kendra, Cuttack, presented a group Odissi.