Bhubaneswar, Feb. 7: Celebrating diversities in the Odissi tradition, seven stalwarts of the dance form came together to present Aikatana at the Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav, which has begun at the foothills of the Dhauli peace pagoda.

Artistes of seven major dance institutions of Odisha - Srjan, Art Vision, Nupur, Gunjan, Suravi, Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya and Odisha Dance Academy - performed the special choreography.

In the production, the Indian philosophy of numericals was represented wherein each number represented a concept and together formed a cosmic chain of ideas. In Aikatana, Brahma was considered the absolute void and the beginning of the beginning.

"From one Brahma and the union of Jiba and Parama we move on to three representing Trishakti - Mahakali, Ugratara and Dhumabati. Four signifies the four ages, five portrays the five senses, and six represents the six enemies, Shada Ripu. Seven is for seven colours, eight denotes Ashta Sambhu, nine contains Nava Rasa and ten represents Dashavatara," said eminent danseuse Aruna Mohanty, who choreographed the presentation along with dancer Ratikanta Mohapatra.

The dancers represented a harmonious ensemble of expressional brilliance in Odissi. It was a visual treat for the audience. "The performance was very vibrant and the coordination between the dancers was praiseworthy," said Alka Samantray, an Odissi enthusiast.

This was followed by a presentation of the martial dance form Kalarippayattu by Belraj Soni and Group from Mumbai. Kalarippayattu is the age-old martial art form from Kerala. The main elements in this art form were armed and unarmed combat, breathing control, higher forms of meditation and specific classes of treatments.

Guru Dhaneswar Swain and group today showcased mardal symphony during which 30 artistes under his supervision displayed an effortless execution of strokes.

Vaibhav Arekar and group from Mumbai performed Bharatnatyam while Binash Kumar Mishra from Odisha showcased daredevil stunts.

Stage artiste and writer, the late Asim Basu will be awarded the Ruchi Buddha Samman. Promoters of art, including Sunil Kothari, Leela Venkatraman, Sarat Kumar Sahoo, Sitikanta Dash and Purna Pattnaik will be felicitated with the Guru Gangadhar Pradhan Smruti Samman at the festival.

The three-day festival hosted by the state tourism department and Odisha Dance Academy will conclude tomorrow with Lavani Nrutya, Manipuri dance and a presentation of contemporary martial art.