Bhubaneswar, June 21: Various music concerts and seminars were held across the state today to celebrate World Music Day.

People from various walks of life gathered at events to celebrate the essence of the art form through the performances of eminent artistes and amateur groups.

Utkal University of Culture held a seminar about the influence of Odissi music on the national and international stage. The students of the varsity also presented a number of Odia ragas. They churned out the classical tunes using musical instruments such as tabla, mardala, violin, flute and harmonium.

"We had invited people from diverse backgrounds to come and enjoy our shows. The objective of the day was to make quality music available to all and nurture a connection among the members of the musical fraternity," said Ramanuja Das, a student of the varsity.

A number of veteran singers got together to stage recitals highlighting the tradition of music in the state. Vocalists such as Lata Ghosh, Bijay Jena, Sangita Gosain and Minati Mishra performed at a concert held by the Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi at Bhanja Kala Mandap here. There, young artistes got a chance to interact with the veterans in the field.

"We took the opportunity to showcase the unique charm of Odissi music and its distinct nature from other classical forms of music," said the akademi secretary, Dhira Mallick.

Another programme was organised by the Bhubaneswar Music Circle at Rabindra Mandap, where members of the group performed the popular festive songs of the state.

Besides, local clubs held singing competitions at a number of neighbourhoods including Nayapalli and Khandagiri. The events aimed to encourage participation from residents and highlight their musical skills.

"Winning or losing was not important. We had a lot of fun. People belonging to all age groups took part and we got to hear songs of the 60's as well as the latest ones," said Nayapalli resident Sini Behera.

Similar events were held at other places such as Cuttack, Rourkela, Sambalpur, Dhenkanal and Puri. Vocalists presented various genres of music, including tribal, folk, classical tunes and bhajans. Renditions adapted from Jayadev's Geet Govinda were also performed at a number of events.

On June 22 and 23, the spirit of music will further be evoked again when artistes from eight states will present traditional music from their respective areas at a festival that is to be held at Bhanja Kala Mandap here. It will hosted by the Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi in collaboration with the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre.