Bhubaneswar: The four-day 16th annual Ekamra Nrutya Mahostav organised by Suravi at Soochana Bhawan here concluded Friday.
While renowned vocalist Keshab Rout inaugurated the event in the presence of cine artist Archita Sahoo and Guru Jaminukanta Mishra, several artistes performed solo and duet Odissi recitals on the occasion.
Addressing the audience on the concluding day of the event, Archita said she felt proud share the dais along with her Guru Pitambar Rath as guests on the occasion. “I started learning Odissi since when I was in Std I and had to take a break in my training owing to my studies. Whatever I am today, it is because of my guru,” she said, paying homage to Pitambar Rath.
The first performance of the event was a solo Odissi recital A Ghor Barsa Kole presented by Ravisankar Majhi. The dance was choreographed by Durga Charan Ranbir. Through his captivating performance, Majhi showcased his deep yearning for his beloved, enacting his emotions when he met her during the rainy season.
The next item was a group dance titled Hari har Sabda- Dau Dau Sankho presented by the students of Suravi. This dance was choreographed by Pitambar Biswal. It was followed by a duet Odissi dance by Ananya and Palliavi. This dance was also choreographed by Pitambar Biswal.
Next, Rajashree Mohapatra presented a solo recital Tola Ki Gopo Dando choreographed by Snenhaprava Samantaray and Niranjan Rout.
Odissi dancer Ravisankar Majhi was conferred the Suravi Saman for his contribution to this dance form both in India and abroad.
Talking to Orissa POST, Ravisankar said his journey began from a tribal village in Gajapati district. “There was no future for a dancer in this tribal village then, so after passing my matriculation, I went to Berahampur and came in contact with Jayant Acharya, who taught me the basics of Odissi dance. Later, I shifted to Bhubaneswar and started training under Guru, Durga Charan Ranbir, who honed my dancing talent,” Ravishankar said.