Bhubaneswar: The 32nd Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Award Festival commenced with much grandeur at Rabindra Mandap, organized by Srjan – Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Nrityabasa in collaboration with Sri Sri University, Cuttack. Running from September 5 to 9, the five-day cultural extravaganza aligns with the birth centenary year celebrations of revered Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, showcasing a stellar lineup of classical music, dance, and theatre performances.
The inaugural evening set a high cultural standard, highlighting the steadfast support of Connoisseurs of Odishan art and craft such as Shri Pankaj Lochan Mohanty, Chairman and Managing Director of MGM Group.
Shri Pankaj Lochan Mohanty joined esteemed dignitaries including veteran singer Pt. Anup Jalota, former Govt. of Odisha official Shri Ashok Kumar Tripathy, Vice Chancellor Prof. Tej Partap, and Srjan Director Guru Ratikant Mohapatra for the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. Their presence underscored a collective commitment to nurturing and preserving the rich artistic heritage of Odisha through premier classical gatherings.
Following the opening formalities, celebrated Hindustani vocalist Vidushi Shubha Mudgal captivated the audience with an exceptional musical excursion. She opened her performance in Raag Bageshri with a Vilambit composition set to Rupak Taal, Mangal Gao Mai Aaj Lal Ko Janm Dyosai, celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna. She continued with a Madhyalaya composition in Teen Taal by her Guru Pt. Ramashreya Jha, titled Khelan Mangat Chaand Kanhayi, which captured the devotional essence of Krishna Janmashtami.
The Padma Shri recipient further demonstrated her musical range with a soulful rendition in Raag Gaur Malhar alongside explorations of Khayal, Thumri, and Dadra. She was accompanied by Dr. Aneesh Pradhan on Tabla, Shri Sudhir Nayak on Harmonium, and Sushree Nilima Pradhan on Tanpura, with technical sound engineering managed by Shri Nitin Joshi. The proceedings were conducted by Dr. Mrutyunjaya Rath. The festival continues on September 6 with a Sarod recital by Pt. Tejendra Narayan Majumdar and a solo Odissi performance by Smt. Lipsa Satapathy.