The 27th edition of the Vedvyas Sangeet Nrutyotsav-2024, a five-day annual national festival celebrating classical dance, classical vocal music, folk, and tribal dance, had a vibrant commencement on November 2, 2024, at the open-air stage of Bhanja Bhavan Exhibition Ground in Rourkela, also known as the Steel City. The opening evening showcased captivating performances in Odissi Classical Dance, Maharshtra Folk Dance, and Mayurbhanj Tribal Dance, delighting the audience.

Mr. Jual Oram, Hon’ble Minister, Tribal Affairs, Government of India was the Chief Guest of the inaugural evening. Mr. Durga Charan Tanty, Hon’ble MLA, Raghunathpali was the Guest of Honour. The festival which finds place in the culture calendar of the state is being organised by  Bhanja Kala Kendra, the cultural wing of Bhanja Cultural Trust and a leading Socio-cultural organisation of the state. The Honourable Guests along with other dignitaries paid obeisance to Lord Jagannath and lighted the ceremonial lamps amidst chanting of Vedic Shlokas.

Mr. Oram in his address complimented the organisers for organising such a mega event.  The Hon’ble Minister reiterated the deep commitment of the Government to promote art and culture and reassured the continued support of the government to the organisation.

Earlier, the guests were accorded a warm welcome amidst blowing of conch and smearing of chandan and flowers. The programme unfolded with a riveting Odissi Dance performance by the artists of Bhanja Kala Kendra, choreographed by Guru Pankaj Charan Das and directed by Guru Niladri Mohanty. The dancers depicted ‘Krishna Leela- Bal Goapalastakam’ in a very lively Odissi Dance performance. The Junior Group of the Kendra presented ‘Ravana Krit Shiva Tandav’ in a mellifluous Mangalacharan presentation.

Artists of ‘Kalashakt’, Pune led by Guru Rasika Gumaste presented entertaining Folk Dance of Maharashtra. A scintillating tribal dance presented by the artists from Mayurbhanj led by renowned Guru Jhano Murmu was a visual treat. The rhythmic music and spellbinding dance performance had the discerning audience clapping for an encore.

The grand evening was given an ideal start with the presentation of State Anthem ‘Bande Utkal Janani’ by a group of young students of Bhanja Kala Kendra led by Guru Smt. Binapani Rath . Notably, the programme is being organised with the support of Bhanja Cultural Trust under the guidance of Mr. Tarun Mishra, President, Bhanja Cultural Trust & ED (HR), RSP. Mr. Subha Shankar Ray Chowdhury, CGM (RMHP), RSP & President, Bhanja Kala Kendra in his welcome address deliberated on the journey of Bhanja Kala Kendra and the role it has been playing in promoting Odissi Sangeet, Odissi Dance and traditional Folk dance. Mr. Radha Krushna Mohapatra, General Secretary, Bhanja Kala Kendra coordinated the programme, while Mr. Alok Behera, Vice President, Bhanja Kala Kendra proposed a formal vote of thanks. Mr. Sasank Sekhar Pattnaik, Deputy Manager (PR), RSP anchored the show.