(From top) An artiste from Bangladesh performs Ardhanariswar, performers from Gunjan Dance Group present Dasavatara and Manipuri artistes perform martial arts with swords. Pictures by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, Jan. 12: People in the Millennium City have been witnessing some of the finest and oldest dance forms of India for the past few days at the ongoing Cuttack Mahotsav.

The festival that began on Monday is being organised by Utkal Yuva Sanskrutik Sangha. Performances by dancers from France, US, Japan, Bangladesh and Russia have earned a lot of praise from the local people.

The first day began with performances by artistes from Srjan dance institute.

Dancers Amanda Geroy (USA), Kazuko (Japan), Laurence Li Bail Simon (France) and Irina and Illeana (Russia) presented an Odissi rendition on Dasavatara choreographed by Guru Ratikanta Mohapatra, son of legendary Odissi dancer Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra.

The dancers performed the piece vibrantly.

This was followed by Guru Ratikant’s recital of Tulasi Das composition Sri Ramachandra Krupalu Bhajman that depicted episodes from the Ramayana such as of Sita’s swayamvar and the war between Ram and Ravan.

Among other programmes on the inaugural day were Kuchipudi and Bharatnatyam performances by Anuradha Ray and Kathak by Anusuya Mazumdar from Calcutta. Manoranjan Nayak and Raseswari Mohanty showcased Shiva Tandava.

The audience also appreciated the recitals presented on Tuesday.

Odissi danseuse Laurence of France performed on the famous bhajan Ahe Nila Saila. The recital showcased love and devotion towards Lord Jagannath.

Similarly, the Manipuri dance by Wardha Rihab from Bangladesh who presented Shiv Tandav and Ardhanariswar and Kuchipudi by Hitaishy Dhanan of Bangalore were the other attractions on the second day.

However, it was the Odissi performance by the artistes of danseuse Meera Das’s Gunjan Dance Group that received a rave response.

Six artistes of Das’s group enthralled the audience with Dasavatara depicting the incarnations of Lord Vishnu.

The artistes performed some intricate moves and there was perfect coordination between them. The choreography by Meera Das won loud applause.

“The Dasavatara performed by artistes of Srjan and Gunjan were different.

While on Monday it was the dancers from foreign countries who left us spellbound with their grip on Jayadev's Sanskrit composition and beautiful execution of Odissi, it was Meera Das’ choreography that touched our hearts today,” said Bhakta Das, a viewer.

“The week-long international dance and music festival provides a platform for artistes to showcase their talent. The main objective of the festival is to preserve Indian classicial dances,” said organiser, Kartik Rath.

More than 50 artistes are participating in the second edition of the festival.

They would perform various Indian classical and folk dances and music forms.