Date:05/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/05/stories/2008110550560200.htm

Other States - Orissa

Week-long Barabati Nrutyotsav from December 20

Correspondent

CUTTACK: The eighth Barabati Nrutyotsav will be organised here by the Odishi Nrutya Mandal on a grand scale from December 20 to 26. The dance festival will be organised on an open stage in front of the majestic Barabati Fort.

A preparatory meeting was held in Bhubaneswar on Monday at which Culture and Excise Minister Devi Prasad Mishra promised all support from the government to make the festival a success.

Eminent Odishi guru Ashis Das started organising the festival in 2001. Secretary of the nrutya mandal, Mr. Das had been singlehandedly organising the festival since then. Various government departments decided to extend their help in making the event a national hit.

Exhibition

Organised in collaboration with the East Zone Cultural Centre, Kolkata, the festival would also have a filigree exhibition to showcase the traditional art of the Silver city.

“Nearly 100 stalls will come up at the festival site showcasing traditional art and crafts of the State to boost tourism potential of the city,” said organising committee spokesman Braja Nanda.

More than 300 artistes from across the country would participate in the festival, and they would be performing in Odishi, Bharatanatyam, Mohini Attam, Kathak and several folk dances and ballets, Mr. Das said.