Bhubaneswar, April 8: Disciples of legendary Odissi guru Kelucharan Mohapatra remembered the artiste on his ninth death anniversary with various performances on his choreographed Odissi pieces.

The dance concert titled Remembering Guruji was organised by city-based Odissi institute Art Vision at Rabindra Mandap.

It has been six years now that Odissi dancer Ileana Citaristi, a disciple of Mohapatra, takes the initiative to pay homage to the legend through the concert.

Every year on April 7, Mohapatra’s senior disciples come together to reminisce his remarkable choreographies and compositions.

Mostly abhinayas were staged this year, many of them striking for the dancers’ agility. Illeana started off the show with a moving tale of mythological hero Ekalavya.

She then chose a story of homage by a disciple for his guru that suited the occasion perfectly.

With her deft movements, she presented an episode from the Mahabharat.

Mohapatra’s disciple and famous dancer Sujata Mohapatra showcased a celebrated sequence based on folk song Kede chhanda jaane lo sahi.

The recital portrayed the mischief as well as the charms of Krishna that Sujata presented with great ease and intensity.

Kasturi Patanik’s performance on He bana giri, he lata giri, Utkalika Pahad Singh’s rendition of Malli mala Shyama ku debi were some of the highlights of the concert.

Apart from these solo recitals, the evening of Odissi also saw a brilliant duet presented by illustrious dancers Itishree Dwivedi and Pranati Mohanty on the famous Gita Govinda piece Yahi madhaba yahi keshaba.

The dancers as well as the viewers were clearly reminded of Mohapatra’s immortal choreographies and unparalleled contribution to Odissi dance.

“He was not only a great dancer but also an immensely humble and spiritual person full of love. We miss him deeply,” said Illeana.

“The guru’s impact is visible in the brilliance of his disciples. It is a great effort by his disciples to carry on his legacy and pay tributes to him,” said Samir Prusty, a viewer.