Anandan Sivmani performs at the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Award festival. Telegraph picture

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 8: Music and dance recitals have captivated audience at the 20th edition of the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Award festival.

Odissi dancer Daksha Mashruwala showcased a brilliant repertoire, while renowned violinist Deepak Pandit entertained the audience with his musical creation last evening.

Mashruwala and her troupe, Kaisiki, performed many acts starting with an invocation to Goddesses Saraswati, Durga and Lakshmi. The recital was based on rag Ragmalika, accompanied by Talmalika. Manoj Desai arranged the music and Mashruwala choreographed the recital. A beautiful abhinaya-based on Gita Govinda’s verses Yahi Madhaba, whose music was arranged by Pandit Bhubaneswar Mishra and choreographed by Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, received great appreciation.

Another performance that was highly praised was a dance drama called Sagi Bagi, based on an English story of a little elephant written in 1948. The festival host, Guru Ratikanta Mohapatra of Srjan, choreographed the dance drama and Agni Mitra Behera composed its music.

Violinist Deepak Pandit, known for his endeavours in Indian classical and fusion music, presented both orthodox as well as contemporarily renditions.

“Both the Odissi dance items and the musical sessions were captivating. We always wait for this particular festival for the reason that it leaves the viewers wanting more from the amazing artistes,” said Sabyasachi Jana, a young connoisseur.

Saturday, too, saw a huge turnout and great performances. Bharatnatyam artiste Vaibhav Arekar enthralled all. The highlight of the evening was the rendition by internationally acclaimed drum player Anandan Sivamani.

Vaibhav first paid tributes to late Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra and later staged a charming solo act of Ardhanariswar, depicting the significant of both male and female forms of divinity. His next item was based on the story of little Ganesh and Kartik while he concluded with an obeisance to nature and the various seasons.

The rush was huge to watch Sivamani play live. The master drummer used household utensils to produce rhythm.

“I am thrilled to see the love for music in the people of Odisha,” said the musician.

The five-day festival, being held at Rabindra Mandap, began on Friday and will conclude tomorrow.