The auditorium of Rabindra Sadan filled with music as Howrah-based dance academy Sristi Kala Kendra’s students performed one of the oldest Indian classical dance forms, Odissi, to celebrate their 17 year journey. 

After felicitating writer Swapan Maitra, the programme began with students performing the Mangalacharana, followed by a Saraswati Vandana and Bhadra Tunda by tots between three and six years of age. The head of the institution Mouli Dhara’s Odissi piece celebrated the  rainy season and led the programme to its next segment. 

The second segment of the function showcased a marriage of classical with contemporary, celebrating the popular Bengali season of “Barsha”. Significant commentary on “barsha” by presenters Sudipto and Shilpi provided a continuity. Classical Odissi was fused with contemporary dance style on popular Rabindra Sangeet tracks like “Neel anjana ghono”,“Amra nuton jouboner e doot” and “Amar sonar harin chai”. Further heightening the experience, modern day Bengali tracks like “Ek chute”, “Basanta eshegeche” and “Sarata din” were performed by young girls. Hindi songs like “Musumusuhasi” and “lakri ki kathi” elaborated the themes of happiness and childhood. 

Towards the end of the second segment, Mouli Dhara’s father, Amitava Chakraborty, was felicitated  for his contribution to the organisation. Popular dietician, Mala Chatterjee, was also felicitated as the guest of the evening. 
The third segment saw the colourful dance drama “Rangeen Pankhi Dushtu Holo” presented by the young participants and directed by Mouli Dhara herself. A very simple yet effective message of “strength in unity” was delivered with the help of powerful performance and soulful music.