Artistes of Markandeya Smruti Kala Pitha perform the rasa lila dance at Jagannathayan in Bhubaneswar. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, Nov. 1: Music connoisseurs in the city were given an opportunity to cherish folk and traditional music of the state at the monthly cultural programme, Shri Jagannathayan, organised by the state culture department.

The event showcased veteran musicians and folk artistes on Monday evening at Rabindra Mandap.

Mostly dedicated to spiritual themes, this edition of Shri Jagannathayan also revolved around Lord Jagannath and his tales of devotion and romance. Well-known vocalist Gouranga Charan Khuntia started the musical session of the programme with his rendition of devotional songs. He first presented a bhajan Niladri Bihari in Odissi music pattern. This piece was written by Gajapati Dibya Singh Deb. The rendition portrayed the grandeur of Lord Jagannath. Khuntia then presented another spiritual composition Nilachakra Ho Dekha.

“It was a soulful recital by the veteran. There was a unique personal touch of devotion in his singing that made the performance moving,” felt Dipak Kumar Beura, a member of the audience.

A short talk on Jagannath culture was also rendered at the event. However, a rasa lila sequence presented by a cultural troupe from Puri stole the show. Artistes decked up in traditional outfits and adorning floral garlands enacted the mythological tales of divine romance that displayed the spirit of love between Krishna and the gopis of Vrindavan. The dancers of the Markandeya Smruti Kala Pitha presented a poetic combination of affection, music and dance.

“The rasa lila was a wonderful presentation. I wish such programmes were held more often in Bhubaneswar,” said Ipsita Mohapatra, a viewer.

The rasa lila artistes, however, said the patronage, required to sustain the folk performing art, is missing today.

“The rasa lila troupes from Puri used to actively perform throughout the country in ancient times. Many troupes still continue the tradition in Puri. But, no active steps are taken either by the government or the cultural outfits to develop the art,” said an artiste of the group.

“However, we are really glad to see the enthusiasm towards rasa lila performance in the Bhubaneswar audience. Their applause was very encouraging,” he said.