Presenting the Krishna Bhava in Odissi 
- Charu Chandana
e-mail: charuchandana@gmail.com

March 31, 2009 
 
Sumedha Goenka's Odissi dance recital at the Epicentre, Gurgaon, enthralled the audience with grace and technical perfection. She presented Guru Mayadhar Raut's traditional compositions depicting the Krishna Bhava in Odissi dance. A disciple of Madhumita Raut, Sumedha concentrated on the dancing and playful nature of Krishna.

Her portrayal of the poem "Lalita Lavanga Lata..." from Jayadeva's Gitagovinda, interwoven with Sanchari bhava, aptly explored the theme of 'separation in spring.' Sumedha's graceful form did justice to the lasya-filled abhinaya piece created by her guru. Her rendering of Bajrakanti Pallavi, one of the masterpiece compositions of Guru Mayadhar Raut, reflected various sculpturesque poses elaborately carved out in the temples of Orissa. 

Sumedha Goenka also presented the popular Oriya poem "Nachanti Krushna Ki Madhure..." set to some very typical Oriya rhythmic structures of 4, 10 and 14 beats. The recital seeped in Bhakti-Shringara Rasa brought forth the Vaishnava Bhava, the most integral aspect of Odissi dance.