Post news network
Bhubaneswar: A classical and bhajan programme was organised by Sambhabana Trust on the occasion of 114th birth anniversary of Banikantha Nimai Charan Harichandan at Soochana Bhawan here Monday.
Sambhabana president Sarat Chandra Bhadra inaugurated the event and lauded the contribution of Nimai Charan Harichandan to Odia music world. After several years of his demise, his unique voice still echoes in the hearts of music lovers of Odia, he said. He was the first Odia singer to be awarded Padmashree in 1976, he pointed out.
Known for his devotional songs in addition to Odissi, Chhanda and Champoo, he had rendered his voice for All India Radio, Kolkata, way back in 1934. He received a gold medal for Odissi music from Utkal Sangeet Samaj in 1943. Harichandan was a true worshiper of Odisha’s music, culture and tradition for which he was honoured with the title of Banikantha.
Doordarshan director Niladri Mohan Satpathy and Sangeet Natak Akademi secretary Bijay Kumar Jena were present.
Vocalists Krushna Chandra Sahoo, Chanda Mishra, Sidhant Satpathy and Dukhishyam Tripathy recited bhajans of Nimai Charan Harichandan.
The programme commenced with a bhajan Kala Krishan, presented by Krushna Chandra Sahoo. He also sang three more bhajans Kala Manika, Bahu chali naajani mu and Dukho sunibo kiye. It was followed by Chanda Mishra’s Sita harono, Pitalo ku alingano and Bhajo Mono.
The programme concludes with the performance of Sidhant Satpathy.