Captivating Odissi  
- Charuchandana, Delhi 

December 28, 2008 
 
Sumina Das, a senior disciple of guru Mayadhar Raut and Madhumita Raut, presented a captivating Odissi recital 'Om Namah Shivaye' at the Epicentre (Gurgaon) in December 2008. 

That Sumina Das is a serious student of Odissi dance was evident from her flawless performance that comprised some masterpiece compositions of guru Mayadhar Raut. She began with Ganga Taranga...a prayer to Lord Shiva. It was followed by a Pallavi in Raga Kalyani. The highlight of the evening was Abhinaya Jago Maheswara...a tandava based dance piece that brought the essence of guru Mayadhar Raut's style that is Bhava-Pradhan. The composition detailed innumerable tandava postures of Shiva carved out in Shiva temples all over Orissa and Nepal. 

Sumina Das concluded with Moksha, also dedicated to Lord Shiva. The recital was conducted by Sumina's guru Madhumita Raut, who accompanied on the manjira. 
 

Sumina Das

Aadya Kaktikar

Aadya Kaktikar, another senior disciple of guru Mayadhar Raut and Madhumita Raut, presented a scintillating Odissi recital at the prestigious Lucknow Mahotsava in December 2008. Aadya's flawless performance, marked with grace and immense beauty, brought out the essence of Odissi dance. Her command over the technical intricacies did justice to the compositions of guru Mayadhar Raut. 

She began with Ganga Taranga....a prayer to Lord Shiva. It was followed by a Pallavi in Raga Basant, describing the beauty of the spring season. Aadya concluded with a composition from Jayadeva's Gitagovinda, choreographed by Madhumita Raut. This abhinaya piece displayed Aadya's command over the expressional aspect of Odissi. Highly appreciated by the rasikas and press, the recital was conducted by Aadya’s guru Madhumita Raut, who accompanied her on the manjira.