Odissi dancers Minati Mishra and (below) Devi Basu perform at Samsmaranam at Rabindra Mandap in Bhubaneswar. Telegraph pictures

Bhubaneswar, April 11: The Samsmaranam dance concert hosted in the memory legendary Odissi maestro Kelucharan Mohapatra saw an outstanding valediction with veteran dancers performing on the final day.

The three-day event concluded on Wednesday at Rabindra Mandap here.

The last evening began with the performance of senior most Odissi artiste Minati Mishra. Despite heading towards her 80s, the veteran dancer was emphatic in her presentation of the mangalacharan — the opening invocatory piece.

In her act, she displayed great agility with swift yogic moves and difficult postures on the stage.

Daksha Mashruwala engaged the audience in her rendition of the famous devotional hymn by Jagannath devotee Salabega Ahe nila saila.

She displayed a wide range of emotions to depict how time and again divine intervention came to the rescue of devotees.

One of the most powerful performances was by Sujata Mohapatra, Kelucharan Mohapatra’s ace disciple and daughter-in-law.

The star performer staged Ardhanarishwara that expressed the dual character of divinity — Shiv and Shakti.

Another veteran disciple and septuagenarian who stole the hearts of the connoisseurs on the third evening was Kumkum Lal. She performed on a composition by Kelucharan Mohapatra from 1946 that he had created for his wife.

The traditional composition had elements of love, and heart break, all of which were captivating when Lal staged it even though her feet sometimes faltered in balance owing to her age.

Among other soloists were Devi Basu, who presented an impressive devotional act and Dona Ganguly, who also made her presence felt as a soloist. The only solo male dancer of the evening was Rajib Bhattacharya.

Host organisation Srjan showcased a striking repertoire of group choreography by Ratikant Mohapatra. From a rhythmic and pure dance item to a devotional composition Bhaja Gobindam the artistes of the institute — founded by Kelucharan Mohapatra — were impressive.