THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR,
JULY 15, 2026
Amid an atmosphere of
devotion, artistic excellence and cultural pride, the 40th Sradhanjali
Samaroh-2026, commemorating the 40th Memorial Day of Guru Dr. Debaprasad Das,
one of the greatest architects of the Debaprasad style of Odissi, commenced on
Tuesday at Rabindra Mandap, Bhubaneswar. Organised by Tridhara with the support
of the Department of Odia Language, Literature & Culture, Government of
Odisha, the two-day celebration also marked the inauguration of the prestigious
National Dance & Music Festival-2026, held under the national presence of
the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
The festival is
dedicated to preserving, promoting and celebrating India's rich classical and
folk performing arts while inspiring the younger generation to carry forward
the timeless artistic legacy of Guru Dr. Debaprasad Das, honoured as Bharat
Nrutya Unnayan Ratna.
The day began with a
solemn Pushpanjali and garlanding ceremony at the statue of Guru Dr. Debaprasad
Das at Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, where eminent gurus, distinguished guests,
disciples and admirers offered floral tributes, remembering the legendary
Odissi maestro's unparalleled contribution to Indian classical dance and the
evolution of the Debaprasad gharana.
The inaugural session
at Rabindra Mandap unfolded as a vibrant celebration of India's classical dance
traditions, with leading dance institutions from Odisha and neighbouring states
presenting captivating performances that reflected the richness, diversity and
continuity of the country's cultural heritage.
The audience was
enthralled by spellbinding presentations from Tridhara, Shree Jagannath Odissi
Kalakendra (Paralakhemundi), Shreekhetra Odissi Nrutyabhumi (West Bengal),
Nrutyayana (Khordha), Natraj Kala Mandir (Phulbani), Indian Dance Academy
(Bhubaneswar), Natya Sastra (Bhubaneswar), Mirambika Fine Arts (Chandabali),
Utkalika Sangeet Academy (Nirakarpur), Nrutyadhwaja Odissi Academy (Nirakarpur),
Utkalika Kala Niketan (Berhampur), Maa Thakurani Nrutyanusthan (Sunapur), Maa
Tarini Nrutya Sikhya Kendra (Ghatagaon), Trinetra Kala Kunja (Choudwar), Swara
Jhankar (Balangir), Hare Krishna Dance Academy (Keonjhar), Gelha Maa
Kalaniketan (Boudh) and Niladri Rhythms (Ganjam).
Adding vibrant
colours to the celebration, Odisha's rich folk heritage came alive through
spectacular performances by Maa Samaleswari Kala Bikash Kendra with Ranapa,
Ranga Shala, Puri presenting Sahi Jata, and Shree Jagannath Odissi Kala Kendra,
Paralakhemundi, showcasing the traditional Mahari and Palli Nrutya forms. These
performances highlighted the enduring vitality of Odisha's living folk
traditions alongside its classical heritage.
The afternoon session continued the cultural extravaganza with a series of outstanding performances by eminent dance institutions and guest artistes, drawing an overwhelming response from art lovers, students, cultural enthusiasts and members of the public.
The celebrations will conclude on July 16 with performances by distinguished dance institutions from across the country, presentations of Odisha's traditional folk arts and the much-awaited National Dance & Music Festival-2026, promising a fitting finale to one of the state's most significant annual cultural commemorations.
