‘Samarchana’ – Choreography Festival of Dance

Bhubaneswar: The 2nd edition of Choreography Festival of Dance “Samrachan” organized jointly by Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi and GKCM Odissi Research Centre under the aegis of Department of Tourism & Culture, Government of Odisha, showcased the two most lyrical dance forms i.e. Odissi and Kathak on the concluding day.

The first programme of the evening was Odissi dance by Jhelum Paranjape & Group. They started with a dance offering to lord Shiva, the song was taken from the writings of Rabindranath Tagore. The dance began with the power of both male and female dancers with the traditional dance of Odissi Mangalacharana.

The next dance talks about the cosmic energy within us which is followed by an inspirational dance piece talking about strength in life to overcome all hurdles of life and having faith on God. Like wise life is compared to a boat and God to the boatman who takes us to the journey of life. Their final presentation was about moving on in life no matter what happens.

Second presentation of the concluding day was Kathak dance by Rajashree Shirke and Group. The choreography based in the Kathak style was a blend of Indian Theatre and Indian Classical Dance. The theme taken from Mahabharata, the dance is choreographed on Mata Hindimba and her son Ghatotkach. It showcases the difficulties faced by single motherhood in our present society.

Being a democratic country. there is still pain and disrespect to women. The dance talks about the sharp feeling of a mother on the death of her son. The festival till the end witnessed 1882 domestic and 35 foreign audiences.

The dignitaries who graced the occasion were Shri Arun Sahu, Hon’ble Minister I & PR Department; Shri Raghunath Sahu, Hon’ble MLA Chilika; Dr. Minati Mishra, Noted Odissi Danseuse & Exponent; Shri Susil Kumar Das, Director, Culture; Shri Sarat Pujari, President, Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi and Shri Chittaranjan Mallia, Secretary, Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi. The programme was conducted by Er. Shrinivas Ghatuari and Mousumi Madhuchhanda.