The 9th Bharat Utsav, organized by Debadhara and supported by the Ministry of Culture, concluded successfully at the C. D. Deshmukh Auditorium, IIC, New Delhi. The two-day event, held on July 6th and 7th, showcased the rich cultural diversity of Indian classical dance forms and marked a significant milestone for Debadhara as it celebrated its 20th anniversary and 35th cultural festival. The festival honored the artists with the ‘Bharat Gaurav Nritya Sanman’ for their significant contribution in their respective art forms.
The inaugural day of Bharat Utsav saw an overwhelming response from dance enthusiasts and dignitaries. The evening began with a ceremonial lamp lighting by esteemed guests, including Ajay Kumar Kanoujia, Additional Secretary of the Central Vigilance Commission, and Col. Rantumani Thakuria from the Ministry of Defence. Guru Dr Binayak Panda, the founder of Debadhara, escorted the guests to the stage.
The event opened with a mesmerizing Odissi performance by Ankita Kumari, a senior disciple of Guru Dr Binayak Panda. Ankita performed the ‘Aadishankaracharya Krit Shivashtak’ in Raag Bhairavi and Ektaal, a tribute to Lord Shiva. Her performance was a perfect blend of dedication and excellence, reflecting her rigorous training and numerous accolades, including the Remarkable Youngest Artist of the Year award.
Following Ankita’s performance, the audience was treated to a Bharatanatyam presentation by Roopa Kiran from Hong Kong. Roopa, a distinguished dancer and cultural ambassador, captivated the audience with ‘Ambastuti’ and ‘Meera Bhajan,’ showcasing her exceptional talent and dedication to spreading Indian culture globally.
The evening continued with a Kuchipudi performance by the acclaimed artist Yamini Reddy, who enthralled the audience with her graceful movements and intricate expressions. Yamini’s performance highlighted her innovative approach to traditional compositions, solidifying her status as one of the most sought-after Kuchipudi dancers.
Shinjini Kulkarni, granddaughter of the Kathak Maestro Pt. Birju Maharaj, followed with a captivating Kathak performance. Shinjini’s intricate footwork and expressive storytelling left the audience spellbound, showcasing her lineage and dedication to the art form.
The day concluded with ‘Gananayak Panchakam’ by the Debadhara group, a dance piece dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The performance, choreographed by Guru Dr. Gajendra Panda, was a fitting end to the evening, celebrating the deity of wisdom and auspicious beginnings.
The concluding day of Bharat Utsav began with an Odissi group performance by Debadhara, featuring Manglacharan and Sthai. The students paid homage to Lord Ganesha, setting a respectful tone for the evening with their graceful movements and devotion.
The evening’s performances included an Odissi duet by Eishita Ojha and Nischita Paikaray, presenting ‘Kalavati Pallavi.’ Their synchronized movements and expressive gestures demonstrated their deep understanding and mastery of the dance form.
Gururaju, a renowned Kuchipudi artist, captivated the audience with his solo performance. Trained under Vyjayanthi Kashi, Gururaju’s command over the dance form and graceful movements mesmerized the attendees.
A Bharatanatyam duet by Bhadra Sinha and Gayathri Sharma followed, depicting the ancient story of Lord Aiyappa. Their performance, choreographed by Guru Dr Ratheesh Babu, featured intricate jathis and eye-catching choreography, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Deepti Gupta concluded the evening with two pieces, ‘Chaturni Khandita Nayika’ and ‘Trivet,’ showcasing her exceptional talent and dedication to the art form.