Bhubaneswar: The 30th edition of the prestigious Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra (GKCM) Award Festival commenced in Bhubaneswar with an enchanting Ghazal recital by the renowned singer Chandan Dass. Organized by Srjan Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Nrityabasa, the annual festival is a hallmark event in Odisha’s cultural calendar and is set to run from September 5-11, 2024, showcasing some of India’s most celebrated classical musicians and dancers.
The inaugural evening, held at Rabindra Mandap, began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by a welcome address. Among the distinguished guests present were Suresh Pujari, Minister of Finance, Commerce, and Transport; Prof. Dr. Tej Partap, Vice Chancellor of Sri Sri University, Cuttack; Ashok Kumar Tripathy, Former Member of the Board of Revenue, Govt. of Odisha; Pankaj Lochan Mohanty, Chairman of MGM Minerals Ltd., and Guru Ratikant Mohapatra, Director of Srjan.
Chandan Dass, known for his distinctive singing style, captivated the audience with a selection of Ghazals infused with the timeless charm of his hometown, Murshidabad. A recipient of the Begum Akhtar Puraskar, Dass’s performance paid homage to legendary Ghazal singer Mehdi Hassan, as he performed works by several renowned poets. Accompanied by a talented orchestra including Arshad Khan on Tabla, Abhiram Nanda on flute, Arif Lateef on keyboard, and Bhabhatosh Mohanty on guitar, the recital was a perfect blend of melody and emotion, setting the tone for the festival.
The seven-day festival boasts an impressive lineup of artistes, including renowned musicians Kalaimamani Dr. O.S. Arun, Pt. Rakesh Chaurasia, Ojas Adhiya, and duo Ambi and Bindu Subramaniam, as well as renowned dancers like Guru Vaibhav Arekar, Guru Ashimbandhu Bhattacharjee, and Srjan’s own ensemble led by Guru Ratikant Mohapatra.
The festival will culminate in the highly anticipated award ceremony, where stalwarts like Guru Kumkum Lal, Guru Lakshmikanta Palit, Guru Dhaneswar Swain, and Shri Uttam Mohanty will be honored with the Shalimar’s Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Award 2024. The Shalimar’s Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Yuva Prativa Samman 2024 will recognize the emerging talent of Dr. Pompi Paul, Rajnita Mehra, Avijit Das, and Rohita Pradhan.
The festival promises yet another evening of cultural grandeur with a Bharatanatyam performance by Guru Vaibhav Arekar and his troupe from Mumbai, presenting Shrimant Yogi, a tribute chronicling the life of the legendary Shivaji Maharaj.