Bhubaneswar:
A grand classical music festival was organised at Rabindra Mandap, Bhubaneswar, by Kalinga Kala Kshetra under the patronage of the state’s leading cultural organisation Swara Sudha. The event was held in the august presence of the founder-guru Pandit Harmohan Khuntia.
The evening was ceremonially inaugurated by eminent litterateur Dash Benhur, Dr. Vaishnab Charan Mahanti, film producer Biyotpragya Tripathy, Professor of Sanskrit, BHU Dr Gopabandhu Mishra and Prof. Basanta Sahu by lighting the ceremonial lamp.
At the outset, Prof. Basanta Sahu, convener of the programme, welcomed the guests and briefed the audience about the objectives of the event. The programme was dedicated to the memory of renowned Hindustani violin exponent of Swara Sudha, Dr. Swarna Khuntia. Speakers on the occasion paid rich tributes to the immense musical contributions of Guru Pandit Harmohan Khuntia. His acclaimed book Odissi Sangeeta Sarani was released and appreciated by the dignitaries. Eminent Odissi danseuse Dr. Sujata Mohapatra was honoured with the prestigious Pandit Harmohan Khuntia Award.
The classical evening commenced with a soulful flute recital by young and promising artist Eng. Shubhakanta Sahu from IIT New Delhi, who mesmerised the audience with melodious ragas. He was ably accompanied on tabla by renowned maestro Pandit Ashish Sen Gupta. This was followed by an impressive vocal performance by noted Hindustani classical singer Pandit Gautam Kale, who enthralled the audience with his rendition of Raag Rageshree. He was supported by Guru Kulamani Sahu on tabla and Dillip Biswas on harmonium.
In the final segment, Pandit Ashish Sen Gupta presented a powerful solo tabla performance, showcasing various talas and rhythms, leaving the audience spellbound.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Prof. Basanta Sahu, while the stage proceedings were smoothly conducted by Dr. Mrutyunjaya Rath.
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