(From top Russian artistes Elene Knyaseva, Irina Komissarova and Lera Sveshnikova and US artiste Amanda Geroy perform Bharatnatyam at Cuttack Mahotsav. Dancers Medha Hari and Satvikaa from Chennai stage a jugalbandi on Wednesday. Telegraph pictures

Cuttack, Jan, 13: The centre of attraction on the third day of the International Dance and Music festival, also known as Cuttack Mahotsav, was Bharatnatyam.

Two artistes from Chennai, Medha Hari and Sathvikaa, performed their Jugalbandi for nearly one hour before the audience at the city’s Kala Bikash Kendra last evening.

The artistes began with Anjanaya Kauthuvam, which was based on an obeisance to Anjanaya, son of Vayudeva and Anjana, the god of power and strength, who is a master of music and an expert in dance and a great yogi.

“We present five different tales and legends which is the true essence of Bharatnatyam,” said Medha. Both Medha and Sathvika are students of charted accountancy. They have been performing in different parts of the country since childhood.

The artistes performed Pallavi that portrayed the emotions through which nayika goes through while she is immersed in her thoughts about Lord Shiva. She tells her sakhi why everything around her is joyous, beautiful and full of love in the vasanthakalam.

However, it was the Ardhanariswar performance by the duo that was appreciated by the audience.

Besides, Bharatnatyam, solo Odissi dance by Swagatika and a group performance by four international artistes was an additional attaction.

Earlier, Odissi danseuse Laurence of France performed on the famous bhajan Ahe Nila Saila.

The recital showcased love and devotion towards Lord Jagannath.

Manipuri dance by Wardha Rihab from Bangladesh and Kuchipudi by Hitaishy Dhanan of Bangalore were the other attractions on the second day.