Rourkela, July 9: Dance and music lovers were treated to fusion and traditional dance performances in a programme organised by Rourkela Steel Plant.

The performances were part of the annual Megha Malhara, an evening of cultural extravaganza, to welcome the monsoon.

The event was held at Civic Centre last evening and the performances showcased the rich cultural heritage of the state.

Inaugurating the programme, chief executive officer of the Roukela Steel Plant Aswini Kumar said: "Monsoon spreads happiness among all after a long, hot summer and this is the best way to welcome it."

Malhar ragas are always played to welcome the monsoon, Kumar said.

He said the steel major always tried to promote local culture and tradition.

The first performance, a piece of Odissi fusion directed by Rasmita Behera of Nupur Kala Parishad, was a visual treat for the audience.

Dancers moved gracefully to the lilting tunes of Barso re megha and Ghana ghana Giridhari, setting the momentum for the evening.

Following this was a semi-classical piece by Surtal directed by Bijaya Nayak on the theme of Megha Malhara. The audience's response to this performance was enthusiastic.

Surtal presented jhipi jhipi barsa next, which was a delightful performance and appreciated by all.

The fusion performances and the innovative choreography were new to the audience and they relished the programme.

"I think there will be more fusion performances bringing the youth closer to our cultural heritage," said Sulochana Das, a member of the audience.

Beautiful traditional renditions were also part of the programme with local dance forms such as ghoda nacha, Sambalpuri dance, danda nacha, and paika nacha being the added attractions of the evening.

All the local items were were performed by dancers of Kalyani Kala Kendra.

Megha Mallhara has been an annual feature on the Rourkela Steel Plant's cultural calendar for a several years now.

However, it used to be held earlier during the Raja festival.