18th Guru Debaprasad Nrutya Parampara Festival: An ode to Guru Debaprasad Das

- Priyanka Palta
e-mail: punarjjaniculturalcentre@gmail.com
Photos: Daljit Singh

January 4, 2026

In the majestic backdrop of the Stein Auditorium, Delhi, the magical celebration of the 18th Guru Debaprasad Nrutya Parampara Festival showcased Indian dance and music, soaked in legacy and artistic reverence. Organised by Debadhara on December 26 and 27, 2025, the festival paid homage to Guru Debaprasad Das, one of the architects of the Odissi tradition, by bringing together eminent performers from India and abroad.

Founded by Dr Binayak Panda in 2003, Debadhara continues to preserve and propagate this lineage with devotion and discipline. Guru Binayak Panda, who began his training at the age of nine under Guru Gajendra Panda and later studied Odissi Sangeet with Pandit Gopal Chandra Panda, has dedicated his life to Indian performing arts and has been honoured with an honorary doctorate for his contribution towards the same. This year too, the festival was organised by Guru Binayak Panda of the Guru Debaprasad Parampara, a lineage renowned for its remarkable contribution towards tribal, folk and classical elements that gave Odissi its vibrant character and global resonance.

Y Theba Devi & group

The luminous celebration kicked off with a traditional lamp lighting ceremony and felicitation of eminent guests. The evening performances unfolded with an opening act filled with lyrical grace as Guru Y Theba Devi and her ensemble presented the Manipuri dance drama Shija Laioibi: The Saint Princess of Manipur. With movements flowing like water, soft, soothing and enchanting, it imbued devotion and grace that reflected the rich Manipuri tradition.

Shovana Narayan & group

Marking the second act of the evening, a vibrant performance by Guru Shovana Narayan and her Asavari Repertory was presented with Ya Devi Sa Nari, a compelling Kathak work that explored many dimensions of womanhood. Through the sound of ghungrus, the rhythmic footwork, expressive abhinaya, and layered narrative, the presentation became a powerful reflection on reclaiming femininity and identity, celebrating women.

Sutra Foundation

The first evening of the festival came to an end with an Odissi presentation by Datuk Ramli Ibrahim and the Sutra Foundation, Malaysia, titled Odissi: Rich Encounters -A Spell of Guru Debaprasad Parampara. The production unfolded like a rich tapestry, with Mahisasura Mardini at its core, showcasing the classical form through sculptural poses, mesmerising expression and perfection. Rooted firmly in the Guru Debaprasad lineage, it left a mark in the hearts of the audience with a magical closing sequence featuring two Krishnas, a moment that will linger in the memory for a long time.

Ananya Kannan

The second day began with ceremonial proceedings, which included the lighting of the lamp and felicitation of distinguished guests, followed by an opening performance on a devotional note with invocatory Odissi compositions presented by students of Debadhara and the Community Health Department, St Stephan's Hospital, reinforcing the festival's emphasis on continuity and community participation. The evening featured a Kuchipudi presentation by Ananya Kannan from Malaysia, who performed Nandanandana. The performance came to a climax in the traditional brass plate dance that blended rhythmic vitality with devotional intensity.

Ustad Ahmed & Mohammad Hussain

The festival concluded with a soul-stirring ghazal and bhajan recital by Ustad Ahmed Hussain and Ustad Mohammad Hussain of the Jaipur Gharana, whose renditions brought lyrical depth, emotional sense, and calmness to the closing moments.

Across the two evenings, Debadhara brought different art forms under one roof, giving a glimpse of India's rich culture. Traditionally rooted, full of expression and narration, the 18th Guru Debaprasad Nrutya Parampara Festival stood as a testament to India's living cultural heritage, where legacy is continuously reimagined through movement, music and devotion.

Reflecting on the journey of Debadhara and the spirit behind the festival, Dr. Binayak Panda, founder of Debadhara, highlighted the larger vision that has sustained the initiative over the years. "I started the Debadhara festivals in 2014 with a vision to nurture art education and celebrate the richness of Indian dance and music. Over the years, we have completed 39 festivals in India and abroad, welcoming artistes, young enthusiasts, scholars, and connoisseurs alike," he said.

Emphasising the emotional and artistic significance of this edition, he added, "This 18th edition of the festival holds a special place in our hearts, as it honours the enduring legacy of late Guru Debaprasad Das, one of the founders who shaped Odissi into the vibrant, expressive tradition we cherish today. Through these festivals, we strive to keep his teachings alive and inspire new generations of performers and audiences."

Priyanka Palta is a journalist and freelance writer with a strong interest in social issues, culture, and human stories. She focuses on grounded narratives that highlight lived experiences and grassroots realities. Along with exploring independent writing and projects, Priyanka is currently working as a content editor at Punarjjani Bharat.