A brilliant tapestry of Mayurbhanj Chhau, Gotipua, and Odissi classical dances, traditional Pattachitra painting, unique handlooms of Ikat, Kotpad & Pasappali, Rangabati, Thia Puchi Naranga and the cuisine of Odisha has made the recent Utkal Sanskruti program radiant, enriching and engaging. Organised by Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence in association with Jagannath Temple Trust UK, the program lasted for over two hours captivating intercontinental audiences.
The virtual session began with an invocation by Dr. Bhagyashree Singh. Opening words were rendered by Amish Tripathi-Director of Nehru Centre and Minister (Culture), High Commission of India. Honorable Minister for Culture Shri Jyoti Panigrahi attended the event briefly. Dr. M. Nandakumara, Executive Director of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, and Soumendra Mahapatra, Second Secretary (Visa) at the High Commission of India have also spoken on the occasion, congratulating the organisers. Dr. Sahadev Swain spoke on Sanskruti Centre and its Founder Ragasudha Vinjamuri.
Shilpi Guru Padma Vibhushan Dr. Raghunath Mohapatra, who is also nominated Rajya Sabha MP, spoke on Pattachitra art. Guru Satyapira Palai spoke on Gotipua dance tradition accompanied by a demonstration by his young students. Award-winning dancer Rakesh Sai Babu’s Mayurbhanj Chhau, Dr. Natalie Rout’s Odissi presentation and Sand Sculpture artiste Narayan Sahu’s sand art presentation were very impressive. Dr. Rosalin Patasani Mishra spoke on weavers’ challenges and summarised different types of handlooms. Dr. Jayashree Nanda presented unique Odisha cuisine.
Thia Puchi Naranga was introduced by Hrusikesh & Sudipta Panigrahi, and Rangabati dance by Pragyan Devi, Reena Khuntia, and Reena Meher were presented. Dr. Prakash Dey outlined the vision and objectives of Jagannath Temple Trust UK. Vote of Thanks was given by Ragasudha Vinjamuri. Sushil Rapatwar and Sukant Sahu provided support and coordination.
