Odissi, Bharatnatyam enthral audience at Konark Festival

Puri: Odisha Tourism sponsored Konark Festival witnessed the devotional touch in both Odissi and Bharatnatyam classical dance recital in the 3rd evening at Konark on Saturday.

Odissi danseuse Jyotsna Sahoo and her disciples in Soor Mandir Dance Academy, Cuttack in their dance drama ‘Sriranga Charana’ presented the glories of the auspicious feet of Lord Vishnu in his different incarnations in different ‘Yuga’.

In ‘Satya Yuga’, the generous King ‘Bali’ in , ‘’Tretaya Yuga’, cursed Ahalya, in ‘Dwapara Yuga’, the seven-headed snake ‘Kaliya’ could get salvation finding the touch of the lotus feet.

In ‘Kali Yuga’ also Lord Jagannath in his mysterious feetless form has given refuge to innumerable devotees. The choreography of Jyotsna Sahoo was presented artistically justifying how the divine feet liberate from the worldly bondage.

Renowned Bharatnatyam exponent, A Lakshmanaswami and his disciples from Nrithyalakshana, Chennai came on the stage with flower offerings to Lord Ganesh, the remover of all obstacles.

This was followed by ‘Bho Shambho’, a dance recital in praise of Lord Shiva composed by Dayananda Saraswati. The ‘Astapadi’, ‘Lalitha Lavanga’ from Sri Jayadev’s Gita Govinda evoked the potent memory of Hari’s feet coloring the forest in a springtime mood, heightened by love.

The concluding item was ‘Thillana’ a joyful culmination blending rhythmic footwork and sculpturesque poses.

The evening commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by General Manager East Coast Railway Umesh Singh, Eminent Literati Dr. Sanjeeb Chandra Hota, Deputy Managing Director State Bank of India and Deputy Director Tourism Utpal Pati.