Parikrama or encircling is an attempt to depict various stages of life through different Odissi compositions. This show is also an attempt to preserve the art of classical Odissi dance in the city. In an attempt to inspire people to hold on to their age-old traditions and beautiful culture, Leena Mohanty, the artistic director of Bansi Bilas and also the principle dancer for this show says, “Guru Deba Prasad Das’s fascination for exploring and deriving inspiration from Odia culture, Odia lifestyle and the dance forms of Odisha, a style that is rarely seen in the city, motivated him to envision this show.” Parikrama exists in most religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Islam etc. Explaining the concept further, she adds, “Parikrama is a symbolic exercise in which we keep a sacred entity at the centre and move encircling it. When we do what’s most holy and important, only then do we lead a meaningful life.”
Through this show, they will demonstrate life’s journey through its various stages. “Through Parikama, we would like to inspire people to maintain their individuality and also to witness the grace of their culture,” adds Leena, who is the recipient of the Ustad Bismilla Khan Youth Award in 2006. This show will have Leena Mohanty, Shri Debasish Pattnaik, Nirlipta Patnaik and also Malaysia-based Shangita Namasivayam. On what the audience can expect, she adds, “This show is sure to be a treat for the audience as they will get to witness reputed dancers like Smt Shangita Namasivyam who be performing as a Sutradhar for the programme.”
Nirlipta Patnaik will be doing three pieces in this show. She adds, “Through this show, we will represent our style and culture in a different way manner, like how it is being portrayed nowadays. This style is much more traditional and more rooted when compared to other Odissi shows. I will start the opening dance which is the Manglacharan which is the Shiva Thandava followed by Shrimati Shripati which is poem that depicts the love story of Radha and Krishna and the last one is Chamunda which is also known as the Devi dance.”
A graduate from Kalakshetra which is known as the Harvard of Indian classical dance Shangita has a very special role in this show. She adds, “I am coming in as a Sutradhara linking the dance sequences through narration, action and drama.”
On the Odissi classical dance scene in the city, she adds, “Bengaluru is such a vibrant cultural city that has a diverse community. The city is home to some very fine dancers and it has various styles. It has become a hub for anything to do with culture.”
The show will be staged on August 11 at Seva Sadan Auditorium.
