Bhubaneswar, Aug. 12: Young singers felicitated and paid respect to prolific musician and vocalist Pandit Raghunath Panigrahi at a cultural event organised by Sur Tarang and the state culture department in the capital.
The event was held to mark the 78th birthday of the legendary artiste. The event, which was held at Rabindra Mandap, turned into a musical extravaganza as various artistes presented a number of celebrated songs.
Pandit Panigrahi, despite keeping unwell, obliged his followers and mesmerised them by reciting couplets from the Gita Govinda.
Young singers such as Sourav Nayak, Sailabhama, Mahaprasad Kar, Mitali Chinara, Sangita Gosain, Susmita Das and many others performed his earlier compositions.
Songs such as Kahin acha natha parana debata, Biswa dekha madhumayaa ra jibana, Anashra ghare thile, Chaka nayana ku patita heu, Jibanare thibi jebe jibi brundabana were rendered by the artistes.
Pandit Panigrahi on the occasion said: “It is the love of listeners and music lovers that gives me the strength to continue even at this age. I wish Odissi music and classical music gets more attention from the younger generations.”
“He is one of the guiding lamps for classical music in the state. We are blessed to be able to show our gratitude to such a legend by performing his timeless compositions,” said singer Mahaprasad Kar.
The event, titled Namami Suramani was held on Wednesday.