Bhubaneswar: Captivating performances and soul-stirring music mesmerized dance lovers during the five-day long Jhulan Utsav held at Konark Natya Mandap recently. Every evening, the venue resonated with melodies of classical and devotional music , making the ambience serene as well as festive. Esteemed Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Mohiniattam and Kathak artists from different parts of India performed showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Odisha and other parts of the country.
Soulful rendition of devotional songs and kirtans transported the audiencs to a realm of spiritual bliss. Traditional swings or ‘jhulas’ adorned with flowers attracted the crowd too. The event that started with Odissi performance by danseuse Subhalakshmi Nandi left the audience spellbound.
“Performing at Jhulan Utsav is always a deeply spiritual experience. The energy of the audience and the divine atmosphere makes it a truly special event,” said Subhalakshmi Nandi, Odissi dancer. In addition to the performances, spiritual discourses were held, offering attendees an opportunity to reflect on and deepen their understanding of faith and devotion.
These sessions, led by respected spiritual leaders, were well-received and drew large crowds. “This festival is not just about art. It’s about connecting with our inner selves,” said Rekha Raju, a Mohiniattam dancer.
These performances celebrated the diversity of Indian culture and provided a platform for emerging talents to shine. “We have been conducting Jhulan Utsav for years to make our festivals and cultures unique and beautiful,” said Sibashis Pradhan of Konark Natya Mandap. We also published the following articles recently Dreamcatchers explained: The spiritual guardians of our dreams and their symbolic colors Dreamcatchers, originating with the Ojibwe tribe, have become symbols of protection and harmony.
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