Biswa Odissi Utsav: The 15th edition of the Biswa Odissi Utsav, organized by the Samskritiki Cultural Society in collaboration with the Odissi International Forum and supported by the Department of Odia Language, Literature, and Culture, Government of Odisha, commenced with vibrant performances at Bhanja Kala Mandap in Bhubaneswar on Monday. The festival, showcasing nearly 300 Odissi dancers from India and across the globe, is a celebration of the elegance, beauty, and cultural richness of Odissi dance.
The event was inaugurated in the presence of eminent dignitaries, including Smt. Sikata Das, noted Odissi danseuse and former Chief Executive of the GKCM Odissi Research Centre; Shri Dhaneswar Swain, eminent Mardala player; Smt. Sujata Mohapatra, renowned Odissi dancer; Smt. Jyoti Rout, celebrated Odissi dancer; and Smt. Devjani Sen, a prominent Odissi artiste. The festival, which runs daily from 10 AM to 10 PM until 26th December 2024, provides a platform for solo, duet, and group performances, reflecting the diversity and global appeal of this classical art form.
The inaugural day featured a variety of captivating performances. The morning session opened with solo performances by young dancers under the age of 10, including Aaditri Behera, Shriyashree Mohapatra, and Ishanvy Acharya from Bhubaneswar. Afternoon sessions presented performers under 20 and 30 years of age, with standout presentations like Bishwaranjan Nayak’s “Abhinaya Minanayana” and Tejaswini Dash’s “Abhinaya Dasavatara.” Group performances by institutions like Sadhana Dance Institute and Sai Kala Kendra added vibrancy to the proceedings.
The evening session was marked by notable performances, including “Basant Pallavi” by Lily Lu from Taiwan and “Devgandhari Pallavi” by Srishti Upasana Sahu from the USA. The finale featured “Mahisa Mardini,” presented by Surya Gurukul of Bhubaneswar, leaving the audience mesmerized.
The festival, which was first launched in 2010, has evolved into an annual global reunion of the Odissi community, curated by journalist and dance critic Shyamhari Chakra. Over the years, it has expanded to include festivals in cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune, showcasing the global reach of Odissi dance.
This year, dancers from countries such as Taiwan, Japan, the USA, the UK, Canada, Italy, Bangladesh, and Africa have joined performers from across India, reinforcing the international stature of the event. Each performance is meticulously choreographed by renowned Gurus, ensuring authenticity and excellence in every presentation.
The Biswa Odissi Utsav remains a testament to the cultural legacy of Odisha and the enduring global appeal of Odissi dance, bringing together the rich traditions of the past and the promising talents of the future.
