Bhubaneswar: Srjan, one of Odisha’s Odissi dance academies enthralled the audience at Rabindra Mandap in Odisha capital last evening, in a series of performances titled Horizon. The young students of Guru Ratikanta Mohapatra performed four pieces- Ganapati, Synthesis, Ardhanareshwara, and finally Vande Mataram.

Performance of 'Ardhanareshwara'

Guru Ratikanta Mohapatra himself performed Shabari, a touching portrayal of the often recounted tale of a tribal devotee meeting lord Ram for redemption from the Ramayana.

Guru Ratikanta Mohapatra performing Shabari

The students began with an invocation to Lord Ganesha, before moving on to Synthesis, a piece associated with the changing times where various dance forms have started to borrow from each other, with movements taken from each , while remaining true to Odissi. The Ardhanareshwara, depicted both male and female forms, their union and subsequent effects on the world around them. Finally, the programme ended with a beautiful rendition of Vande Mataram, a piece composed by the legendary Odissi Guru late Kelucharan Mohapatra.

Performance of 'Ganapati'

Performance of Ardhanareshwara

The series is an effort to promote cultural programmes, by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) along with the Department of Culture, Government of Odisha. Gracing the event were dignitaries including Oopali Operajita, fellow of the Carnegie Mellon University (USA), Balbir Singh Negi, regional officer of ICCR, Dr. Bijay Kumar Jena, secretary of the Odisha Sangeet Natak Academy and noted musician Pandit Gopal Chandra Panda.