Bhubaneswar, Oct. 10: Guru Gangadhar Pradhan Foundation has organised a three-day dance and music festival in the memory of the dance guru who passed away a year ago. The first Guru Gangadhar Memorial Award was given on the inaugural evening of this cultural event on Sunday.

A documentary on the inspiring life of Pradhan was first screened at the festival. The audio-visual show gave a glimpse of the various milestones achieved by him and the numerous dance festivals that he started.

Later, students of dance at the Foundation presented Gangadhar Bandana in the guru’s memory. This group recital was choreographed by Lingaraj Swain.

Dancer Manoranjan Pradhan presented Shiva Panchak that glorified Lord Shiva and depicted different aspects of the deity. The solo recital was much appreciated by the audience.

“This composition was created by Guru Pradhan and was well performed by the dancer. Also, the music by the legendary Balakrushna Dash made the performance even more special,” said Lipsa Mohanty, a viewer.

The most fascinating performance of the evening was a flute recital by Rajat Prasanna from New Delhi.

Trained in the Benares gharana of flute playing, the artiste captured the hearts of his listeners with his rendition of raga Rageshri. He also went on to present raga Misrapilu.

The Guru Gangadhar Memorial Awards were presented to noted personalities from the field of music and dance.

Mardala exponent Banamali Maharana, musician Gopal Chandra Panda and dance guru Gobinda Chandra Pal were conferred the awards for this year.

“Guru Pradhan was a visionary and had a passion and commitment towards popularising and promoting dance and music. His contribution to Odissi dance and music are incomparable. He will always remain alive through his disciples,” said Maharana.

The awards were presented by Puri Gajapati Dibyasingh Deb, tourism and culture secretary Ashok Tripathy and the director of culture department, Sushil Das.