– Odissi, Bodo folk dance and tribal dance captivate audiences on inaugural evening
The 29th edition of Vedvyas Sangeet Nrutyotsav-2026, a five-day national festival celebrating classical dance, classical vocal music, folk and tribal performing arts, commenced on a vibrant note on 1st November 2026, at the open-air stage of Bhanja Bhavan in Rourkela. It is noteworthy that the 29th edition of the festival is dedicated to the birth centenary celebrations of Padma Vibhushan Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, the legendary Odissi exponent who made an indelible contribution to Indian classical dance.
Mr. Alok Verma, Director In-Charge, SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP), graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Mrs. Namrata Verma, President, Deepika Mahila Sanghati, and Mr. Sudip Pal Chowdhury, Executive Director (Projects), RSP and Chief Patron, Bhanja Kala Kendra, were the Guests of Honour. Trustees of Bhanja Cultural Trust and several senior officers of RSP were also present.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Alok Verma congratulated the organisers for sustaining the prestigious festival over the past 29 years. He reiterated RSP’s commitment to the promotion of art and culture and assured continued support for such initiatives that enrich the cultural life of the region. Mr. Verma also paid tribute to Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra and said that it is an honour that the iconic Odishi dancer had performed earlier in the Vedvyas Sangeet Nrutyotsav.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Pal Chowdhury, deliberated on the legacy of the Vedvyas Sangeet Nrutyotsav and how it has shaped the cultural landscape of the city and the state.
Earlier, the dignitaries paid obeisance to Lord Jagannath and ceremonially lit the inaugural lamps amidst the chanting of Vedic shlokas, marking the formal commencement of the festival.
The cultural programme opened with a soulful rendition of Odisha’s State Anthem, ‘Bande Utkala Janani’, by young students of Bhanja Kala Kendra, led by Guru Smt. Binapani Rath.
The artistes of Bhanja Kala Kendra then presented a scintillating Odissi recital choreographed by Padma Shri Guru Durga Charan Ranbir and directed by Guru Niladri Mohanty. The performances of ‘Bho Sambhu’ and ‘Mana Uddharana’ showcased the grace, intricate footwork and expressive storytelling that define the classical dance form. The junior artists of the Kendra presented ‘Shantakaram Bhujagasayanam’ as a melodious Mangalacharan, invoking a spiritual ambience.
Adding a vibrant folk dimension to the evening, artistes of ‘Sanathi Kharai’ from Assam, led by Guru Krishna Kherai Swargiary, presented ‘Lok Kherai’, a traditional Bodo folk dance that reflected the colourful cultural traditions of the region. This was followed by a spirited tribal dance presentation by artistes of ‘Guru Gomke Sanskrutika Sangha’ from Sundaragada. The pulsating rhythms, energetic movements and vibrant presentation won enthusiastic applause from the audience.
The programme was coordinated by Mr. Subha Shankar Ray Chowdhury, CGM In-charge (Maintenance), RSP and President, Bhanja Kala Kendra; Mr. Alok Kumar Behera, CGM (Contracts Cell), RSP and Vice President, Bhanja Kala Kendra; and Mr. Radha Krushna Mohapatra, General Secretary, Bhanja Kala Kendra. Mr. Sasanka Sekhar Pattnaik, Deputy Manager (SMS-II), RSP, anchored the evening’s proceedings.
A prominent fixture on Odisha’s cultural calendar, the festival is organised by Bhanja Kala Kendra, the cultural wing of Bhanja Cultural Trust and one of the leading socio-cultural organisations of the state.
