Dancer Tassia Shpulnikova performs Odissi on the concluding evening of Devadasi National Dance Festival at Rabindra Mandap in Bhubaneswar. Telegraph picture

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 27: The celebration of temple ritual dance forms at the Devadasi National Dance Festival concluded on a spiritual note as artistes performed mythological and devotional recitals at Rabindra Mandap.

Well-known Kathakali dancer Haripriya Nambudiri from Kerala set the ambience for yesterday’s evening by illustrating the mythological tale of Lord Krishna’s birth and the following celebrations. Usually performed by male dancers, Haripriya’s recital received appreciation from the audience. She was also conferred the Devadasi Award for this year.

“I am glad to be in Odisha where people are passionate about dance. It has been a wonderful feeling to perform in front of the dance lovers here,” she said.

A repertoire of Kathak by Swati Sinha followed Haripriya’s recital. The young dancer started with Dhrupad Dhamar, portraying the romance between Radha and Krishna. She then moved on to present Sargam, a movement-based choreography accompanied with rhythmic beats. The most impressive dancer of the evening was Arushi Mudgal from New Delhi.

The Odissi danseuse displayed remarkable grip over movements and facial gestures during her swift presentation of a pallavi followed by an abhinaya on Kha Champu from Kabi Surya Baladev Rath’s compositions.

“The artiste was elegant and graceful in effortlessly portraying the piece showing Radha’s feelings for Krishna,” said Biswajit, a viewer.

Russian Odissi dancer Tassia Shpulnikova presented Ahe Nila Saila. The disciple of Sujata Mohapatra depicted various avatars (incarnations) when Lord Vishnu played saviour for his devotees.

The three-day festival that was inaugurated on Monday featured 14 classical dancers. The dancers also portrayed the unique temple ritual dance forms such as Mahari, Vilasini Natyam and so on well.

“The festival received wonderful response from viewers, and we are happy that all the performers gave their best during the festival,” said Jagabandhu Jena, founder of the Devadasi Nrutya Mandir that organised the event.