Date:14/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/14/stories/2008121450130200.htm

Other States - Orissa

Dancer couple mesmerises audience

Correspondent

BHUBANESWAR: With the snow white Buddhist pagoda atop the historic Dhauli hills serving as an apt backdrop, the fifth edition of the annual Dhauli Mahotsav – a festival of dance, music and allied arts - spreading the message of peace and harmony, kicked off at the foothills of the Dhauli near the State Capital on Friday.

Being hosted by eminent Odissi Guru Gandadhar Pradhan’s Orissa Dance Academy (ODA), it was inaugurated by the Urban Development Minister K.V.Singhdeo and Odissi music exponent Ramahari Das.

Striking a chord

Following presentation of The River of Love, a fusion dance composition celebrating the essence of all religions that seek welfare of the humankind, dancer couple Ramesh and Madhusmita Mohanty mesmerised the audience with their portrayal of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in Hara-Gourastaka. The well-groomed Orrisa Dance Academy (ODA) troupe then gave a brilliant presentation of the Odissi dance ballet "Kanchi Abhiyan", which has been choreographed by the ODA secretary and noted dancer Aruna Mohanty.

In music segment, popular Odissi vocalist Bijay Kumar Jena along with his two disciples – Sagarika Kundu and Matruprasad Das – performed, which enthralled the audience.

The three-day festival will feature Kathak, Kuchipudi, Chhau dances to be performed by dancers across the country besides, vocal and instrumental music by eminent musicians.