Bhubaneswar: Margi, a two-day Classical dance festival presented by City’s well known Odissi dance institution Nrutyashala, kicked off here at Rabindra Mandap, Tuesday. The first evening began with a recital by New Delhi based International Odissi dancer Padma Shri Ranjana Gauhar who also was honoured with Lifetime achievement honour on the occassion.
She began with Mangala Charan followed by Jagannath Stuti. Her third performance was Rati Sukha Sare. Guru Mayadhara Rout composed the numbers.
Bandita Ghosal, the programme director of the event, took to stage next with Mu Jani Jani Karichhi Mana, written by Gopal Krishna. The dance was choreographed by Guru Ashok Kumar Ghosal.
The third solo performance Sanginire Chahain Benu Pani ku was performed by Binod Kevin followed by duet Shiba Panchaka Sachikanta Pradhan and Swagatika Pradhan.
Bhubaneswar’s Pragnya Nrutyayana troupe performed Dasa Mahabidya to end the evening. The dance was composed by Guru Durga Ch. Ranbir under the direction of Guru Swayampragnya Sahoo.
Luminaries present on the occasion included MLA Pratap Jena, retired IAS and Independent Director SAIL Ashok Ku. Tripathy and Mardala Guru Dhaneswar Swain.
The objective of organising such an event is to promote Odissi and offer a platform to the young performers, said Ashok Ghosal, the director of the festival.