Bhubaneswar, Dec. 27: The Sixth Chausathi Yogini Mahotsav held concluded on Tuesday at Hirapur on the outskirts of capital city after presenting myriad colourful presentations.
The three-day cultural soiree was organised by city-based Nrutya Prativa.
A monument protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, the ancient Chausathi Yogini temple, transformed into a cultural abode hosting the festival.
The inaugural performance of the festival was a Hindustani classical recital by veteran vocalist Sunanda Patnaik. Best known for the tarana that she sings at a high pace, the septuagenarian spellbound the listeners with her command over the musical notations. There was also a presentation by the students of Nrutya Prativa along with their mentor Prativa Panda. This was based on a poetry of Rabindranath Tagore which was translated into Odia.
A Kuchipudi dance performance by Vizag-based Natraj Music and Dance Academy regaled the audience. With the characteristic histrionics of the art form, their performance themed on tales of Vishnu Puran was astounding. The opening day ended with the presentation of Bhanjanagar troupe, which is known for its animal mask dance. Dressed in colourful masks of wild animals such as tigers, the artistes showcased an attractive folk dance form.
The second day saw a number of classical and contemporary dance performances. Odissi recital by Bhubaneswar-based Srjan was striking. Shrine Dance Company, which came from Calcutta, presented an array of modern items. The most heart-warming was their Vande Mataram dance.
The concluding day of the fest witnessed the performances of celebrated classical dancer Sonal Mansingh. After a stunning rendition of Mangalacharan to invoke god, her striking postures and immaculate gestures while enacting the Dasavatar from Jayadev’s Gita Govinda left the viewers in trance.
Following Mansingh’s performances up was no mean task, but the Odissi dancers of Aloka Kanungo and troupe put their best foot forward. Their splendid performance portraying god’s 10 incarnations was well appreciated. Guru Utsav Charan Dash and troupe from Chaudwar presented the cultural rendezvous a vibrant conclusion with their ghoda nacha.
“While the contemporary dance performances were a visual delight, the classical ones were very soulful. The festival provided us with a great opportunity to witness the recitals of veterans such as Sunanda Patnaik and Sonal Mansigh,” said Pritam Rout, an art aficionado.