Odisha Tourism organized a
3-day Mukteswar Dance Festival from the 14th to the 16th
January, 2014. It was organized in the precincts of Mukteswar
Temple near the famous Lingaraj Temple
in Bhubaneswar.
This temple was built in 970 by King Jajati Keshari. It is dedicated to Lord
Shiva. The unique feature of this temple is its decorated torana archway. This is detached portal consisting of two pillars
supporting an arch within a semi-circular shaped pediment. The decoration of
the arch, with languorously reclining females and bands of delicate scroll
work, is the most striking feature.
I attended the programme. During
this, famous dancers and danseuses presented solo, duet and group Odissi
dances. One important item of the programme was a solo Odissi dance by Jhelum
Paranjape from Mumbai. She is a famous dancer, teacher and choreographer of
Odissi dance. She had perfected her dancing skills under the tutelage of the
legendary Guru Kelu Charan Mohapatra. She has set up in Mumbai an institute of Odissi dance, ‘Smitalaya’, named after
her friend and famous film actress Smita Patil.
Jhelum has made experiments and innovations in the
traditional Odissi dance form. She presented the ancient Leelavati Sutra of Mathematics in Odissi dance.
Here is a sample of her skill
in Odissi dance.
interesting festival..i only knew about konark festival in Odisha!!
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There is also the Dhauli Festival on the hill of Dhauli, near Bhubaneswar, where a very big statue of The Buddha has been built in collaboration of Buddhist monks of Japan. During this Festival, renowned dancers from all over India present classical dances like Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Mohiniattam, Kathakali, Manipuri and Kuchipudi.
DeleteAlso, there is Rajarani Music Festival in the precinct of Rajarani temple in Bhubaneswar where famous artistes from all over India present classical music.
All these Festivals are organised in winter every year.
Thank you.
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