Bhubaneswar, July 23: Music has always been an integral part of devotees' expression of love for Lord Jagannath. Eminent artistes as well as young talents of the state are rendering some of the most celebrated songs dedicated to the deity at a three-day concert that commenced on Wednesday.
The musical event, 'Guhari' is hosted by the state culture department through Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre at Rabindra Mandap in the city.
The inaugural evening saw renditions by young performers such as Abhijit Mishra, Ankita Panda and others. From 'Ahe nila saila,' known to be a touching prayer by Salabega, a prominent devotee of Lord Jagannath to many beautiful 'ashtapadi' poems from the famous Gita Govinda by 12th century poet Jayadev depicting the beauty of Krishna, the artistes performed many songs that are famous since ancient times.
The audience that comprised mostly Lord Jagannath devotees appreciated the renditions by the artistes.
"Devotional songs that were created and sung by the most passionate devotees of the Lord were performed here one after the another. This was just what was needed during this spiritual week that began from rath yatra and will go on till the Suna Besa of Lord Jagannath," said Bikram Sarangi, a member of the audience.
Many well-known artistes such as Lata Ghosh, Alekh Samal, Laxmikant Palit, Shantilata Chhotray and Bhikari Mohammad are going to perform in the remaining days of the music fest. Fifteen instrumentalists are also performing on the occasion as accompanists as well as for instrumental renditions of various devotional songs.
"The event is a part of the state culture department's multiple programmes to promote and celebrate Nabakalebar and rath yatra. Mostly Odissi music based songs, including Chhanda and Champu compositions have been included in the collection and would be performed with great enthusiasm," said Jagannath Kuanr, chief executive officer of research centre.
Another similar devotional musical programme titled 'Bhaktidhara' is scheduled for Friday at Idcol auditorium by the Utkal University of Culture.
Prominent names such as Pranab Patnaik, Prafulla Kar, Minati Bhanja, Mitali Chinara, Jhumki Rath and young but well-known artistes such as Nazia Alam and Mahaprasad Kar will be performing at the event, which is also dedicated to Nabakalebar.
