Surendra Kumar Das and (right) Nilamani Pradhan perform a duet at the event. Picture by Sanjib Mukherjee

Bhubaneswar, March 24: Odissi Sangeet Mahotsav, the annual soiree of musicians which has been under way in the city since Sunday, showcased performance of various forms of Odissi during its first two days. The five-day festival is hosted at Jayadev Bhavan by the Sangeet Sudhakar Balakrushna Das Foundation.

On the inaugural day, the ancient system of music that prevailed in Puri, the Jaga Akahada Sangeet, was presented by a troupe from the holy town. The troupe, Puratani, staged an elaborate repertoire of devotional songs in pure classical overtones. Poems from the famous Geet Govinda by Jayadev were also recited in classical style by Bijay Ram Tripathy from Kenduli.

The most fascinating genre of Odissi music, the champu and chanda, was presented by renowned singer Sangeeta Gosain. Classical renditions poured in as renowned vocalists, such as Kesab Chandra Raut, Sangeeta Panda, Bijay Kumar Jena and Ramlaxman Behera, performed one after another.

Artistes from all over the state displayed their talent during at the festival that entered its 14th edition this year

On Sunday afternoon, Odissi vocalists and musicians from other states such as Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh staged Odissi vocal and instrumental renditions for the first time at this Odissi meet.

“I have lived in Andhra Pradesh for many years, but I love Odissi music,” said mardala player Debendra Das.

Music lovers thronged the venue and there was a big audience on Sunday evening with prominent names such as Sachidanand Das and group performing mardala and Mohapatra Minati Bhanja, among others, presenting solo vocals.

“We are happy to see the participation of artistes increasing manifold over the years. The concept of the festival is to welcome any Odissi music artiste to perform at the event as part of a get together of the fraternity. This year, we have 500 artistes,” said Ramahari Das, veteran musician and festival director. The fest will conclude on Tuesday evening.