Mukteswar dance festival inaugurated

BHUBANESWAR: The three-day Mukteswar Odissi dance festival organised by the Department of Tourism of Odisha Government was inaugurated here on Thursday.

The programme began with Shiva Vandana recited by Pt. A. Maheswar Rao & Group of Nad Ninad, Cuttack.

Accomplished Odissi danseuse Meera Das, founder of Gunjan Dance Academy, Cuttack performed solo that included abhinaya on the Ramayana’s episode of Shabari.

It was followed by a duet – Sri Rama Stuti – By Preetisha Mohapatra and Reebdhita Barua from Srjan, Bhubaneswar.

The concluding performance was group Odissi performance by Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, Bhubaneswar. This performance highlighted aspects of Shakti.

The guests of the inaugural evening included Development Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Jena, Tourism Secretary Vishal Kumar Dev, OTDC Chairperson  Shreemayee Mishra, Tourism Director Sachin Ramachandra Jadhav and Odissi dancer Aruna Mohanty.

Following the Mukteswar Dance Festival, Odisha Tourism would host Rajarani Music Festival from 18 to 20 January.