Bhubaneswar, June 10: The fifth edition of annual talent hunt, Naveen Kalakar, kick started in the city on Friday This festival aims at providing a platform to young artistes from all over the country.

The festival that was associated with Odissi till last year, has opened its doors to artistes from all genres of Indian classical music and dance this time.

Around 175 bright and promising youngsters from all over the country and even abroad will be showcasing their talent at the four-day festival on at the Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya.

Designed on the lines of the more than 70-years old Kal ke Kalakar talent hunt of Mumbai for young artistes that has featured maestros such as Kathak exponent Pandit Birju Maharaj during his teens, Naveen Kalakar also explores the flair in artistes from the age of 10 to just above 30.

“The festival aims at bringing together young artistes and giving them a chance to nurture their talent,” said Ramhari Das, one of the organisers. “Last year we were able to discover some immensely talented male and female Odissi dancers. This time, we have included all distinct classical dance and music styles of India, the performances of which will be conducted in morning and evening sessions,” he added.

The dance styles featured in the festival include seven Indian classical forms of Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, Mohiniattam, Sattriya and Manipuri. In the music segment, both vocal and instrumental are included. Artistes from Hindustani, Carnatic and Odissi instrumental and vocal styles are performing in the festival.

“All performances will be solo on the basis of which our jury will be giving the scores to each. Those who secure 70 per cent or above, will be awarded with the titles such as Nrutya Jyoti, Sangeet Jyoti and Badya Jyoti in the fields of dance, vocal and instrumental music respectively. Junior Odissi talents will be given the Odissi Shree title,” said Das.

Artistes from 15 cities from across the country will be performing at the event, while some dancers from America, London and Peru are also taking part. In fact, Odissi dancer Khavita from London started off the evening session dedicated to dance, on the inaugural day.

“I’m here to interact with talented dancers from all over the world. The festival is very important for me since it provides a great platform to be performing Odissi in its motherland. This will help me improvise and grow as a dancer,” said Khavita.