Tridhara, Bhubaneswar, founded by the late Odissi maestro Debaprasad Das upholds his gharana, which combines an essence of tribal and folk traditions with Odissi.
Das’ acclaimed disciple, guru Gajendra Panda, director of Tridhara, is the torcbearer and is popularising this distinctive style.
In memory of the founder, Tridhara honours eminent dancers and gurus from various disciplines with the Guru Debaprasad Award during its annual festivals. Each year, a spectacular presentation reflecting the cultural heritage of Odisha is premiered by the institution.
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This year it was ‘Sakhi Gopinatha,’ a legend rarely performed, based on the medieval Sakhigopal Temple, formally known as the Satyabadi Gopinath Temple.
The three-day Guru Debaprasad Award Festival was dedicated to Dr. Dinanath Pathy, eminent painter, writer and art historian, and was held at the Bhanja Kala Mandap (two days) and Rabindra Mandap, Bhubaneswar (final day).
The dance drama, ‘Sakhi Gopinatha’, scripted by Kasinath Nayak, was presented on the inaugural day and began with an apt, ‘Kasturi Tilakam Lalata Phalake.’
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It is based on a legend of Krishna, who follows his devotee to give testimony (sakhi) on his behalf. This happens when the head brahmin (Bada Bipra) goes back on his promise made in front of a Krishna statute, to a poor, young brahmin (Sana Bipra), who had nursed him back to health. When the humiliated Sana prays to Krishna to be his witness, the Lord agrees but there is a clause. He will follow Sana, who must not look back, because if he does Krishna will turn to stone. The inevitable happens. Despite that, the villagers are impressed and Bada Bipra’s daughter, as promised, is married off to Sana.
The presentation ended with a ‘Krishna Vandana.’ Choreographed by Gajendra Panda, who used innovatively ‘Sabda Swara Pata’ (a hallmark of Guru Debaprasad Das), the tightly woven compositions were a visual delight that added freshness to the style.
The final scene saw a captivating Daskathia, enriched by the dance and music composition of Ganjam. The ‘dispute’ scene was handled well. The music was by Sukanta Kumar Kundu, ukuta(rhythm composition) by Dhaneswar Swain and choreography by Gajendra Panda.
This year, Jayarama Rao and Vanashri Rao (Kuchipudi), Priyambada Mohanty Hejmadi (Odissi), Bharathi Shivaji (Mohiniyattam) and Uma Dogra (Kathak) were honoured with the award. Musicians who enthralled were Anuradha Pal (tabla) Sangeeta Gosain (vocal) Pt. Damodar Hota (vocal).