Artists of Narendrapur Loknrutya group, Ganjam, perform Sakhabadyaand(above). A kuchipudi performance by B.Radhika Rani and group from Andhra Pradesh. (below) Pictures by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, April 25: Curtains came down on Mahanadi festival, the cultural extravaganza that presented a rich bouquet of both folk and modern dances during the previous week here.

The performance of the conch-blowers of Ganjam’s Narendrapur Loknrutya group was the centre of attraction on the concluding day of the festival on Sunday.

Around 12 conch players performed stunts on various themes and mythological events such as the Mahisasura Mardini and Dashavatar. The different formations, wherein the artistes climbed on each other while blowing the conch, were a treat for the audience that thronged the venue, Mahanadi Vihar Women’s College and UP school ground, on the occasion.

“The sankhabadya or conch-blowing is one of the oldest folk performing arts prevalent in the state. The conch is associated with all traditional festivals and rituals and holds religious significance also.

“One can also find the importance of the conch during Mahabharata when it was used by Lord Krishna during the war between Kauravas and Pandavas,” said group leader Ranjendra Patra.

Patra said there has been a sea change in the taste of the audience and as a result it has become necessary to come out with new concepts to keep the art alive. This is why the group has produced some adventurous formations.

The group was appreciated when they performed in the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games held in New Delhi last year.

Apart from the sankhabadya, the artistes performed the traditional ranapa dance (dance on stilts), which was also appreciated.

“It was one of the best live performances that I had ever seen in my life. The performance by the artistes from Ganjam was extraordinary and all of us were on our feet and clapping,” said Bikash Panigrahy, a member of the audience.

Apart from sankhabadya and ranapa, a drama titled Sati Anusaya was presented by the members of Mahanadi Vihar Mahila Samiti. Odissi performance by city-based dance troupe Nrutya Jyoti was an added attraction.

Earlier, Kuchipudi dance by B. Radhika and group from Andhra Pradesh, was the main attraction on Saturday. Child artistes of the group left the audience spellbound with their recitals based on Ganesh vandana, Thilana and other performances.

Organised by Kind India Foundation, Mahanadi festival has been drawing huge crowds to the city. This year, 30 stalls selling handicrafts and other food items were also set up during the festival.

“It has been our sincere effort to promote the artistes and unite them on a single platform which is needed to promote and preserve the folk dances in our country,” said secretary of the organising committee, Choudhry Satya Das.