Kathak exponent Mani Thapa performs with Odissi danseuse Chandana Raul at the Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja Festival in Rourkela.

The event was organised on Thursday evening by Aks, an organisation that promotes Indian culture and heritage, in collaboration with the Rourkela Steel Plant.

Six eminent persons from the city - Dhruba Charan Biswal, Bhupen Mahapatra, Alka Chand, Minakhi Behera, Asha Lata Sarangi and Budha Prasad Rao - were awarded at the programme for their achievements in their respective fields.

Text by Rajesh Mohanty, Picture by Uttam Kumar Pal