Artistes of Art Vision present Odissi at the dance recital event of ICCR in Bhubaneswar. Telegraph picture

Bhubaneswar, March 6: An array of dance recitals marked the pre-celebrations of International Women’s Day.

The event titled Aarya organised by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations as part of its Horizon series provided a common platform to folk and classical dance repertoires.

The event, in collaboration with the state department of culture and New Delhi-based organisation, Parichay Foundation, took place on Wednesday evening at Rabindra Mandap.

The cultural soiree began with Illeana Citaristi and artistes from her group Art Vision presenting a recital of Odissi dance drama.

With their brisk foot movements and eloquent expressions, they showcased various facets of the time.

Titled Kaal, the presentation retraced the past, enacted the present and envisioned the future. The subsequent performance was Mallakhamb — the martial dance of Puri. The artistes showcased exemplary strength. The participants created various formations by meticulously balancing their weights on each other.

The audience kept watching the performance with awe with the artistes displaying mind-blowing stunts. The string of performances came to a conclusion with another Puri-based group presenting some fire-fighting acts.

“Though we pray to devis (goddesses), yet most women would tell you that they simply don’t feel safe on roads, and thus, there is a need to celebrate occasions such as Women’s Day on a grand scale to send out a strong message about the strength and power of women. I am happy that such cultural programmes are marking the importance of the day,” said Susmita Sahoo, a college-goer.

Also on the occasion, Parichay Foundation, a group working for women empowerment simultaneously in New Delhi and Bhubaneswar felicitated 12 women achievers of Odisha in 11 categories.

“This is the second year that we are honouring eleven glorious women of substance for their contribution to humanity and society at large in their respective fields. They with their humanitarian activities have not only created a name for themselves, but also inspired many young girls,” said Rosalin Patasani, founder of the foundation.

Gurjinder Kaur Dhingra (social work), Sujata Jena (law), Binapani Nayak (music), Sujata Mohapatra (dance), Valena Valentina (sports), Iti Samanta (literarure), Swetaleena Parija (medical science), Anita Das (cinema), Mala Mishra (academics), Paramita Mohapatra (entreprenuership) and Binita Mishra and Harmeet Sehra (corporate social responsibility) were honoured by Odissi dancer Minati Mishra and Odia actress Anu Choudhary.