REVIEW / REPORT

Season 16 of Aekalavya Festival

- Tapati Chowdhurie
e-mail: tapatichow@yahoo.co.in
Photos courtesy: Lasyakala

August 18, 2026

Odissi practitioner and Acharya of Lasyakala Dance Academy, Saswat Joshi, celebrated the 16th season of his festival 'Aekalavya'. It was a tribute to the guru-shishya parampara, which is unique to our country.

The Aekalavya Dance Festival has established itself as one of Odisha's distinguished cultural festivals, dedicated to celebrating the timeless traditions of Indian classical dance, music, and artistic excellence. Over the years, the festival has earned immense recognition for its commitment to preserving India's rich cultural legacy while providing a prestigious platform for eminent artistes, emerging talents, scholars, and cultural enthusiasts from across the globe.

A defining feature of the festival is the presentation of the Aekalavya Samman. These awards recognize exceptional individuals whose lifelong dedication and outstanding contributions have enriched the fields of Indian classical dance, music, literature, cultural research, theatre, and the preservation of India's intangible heritage.

Season 16 was a grand cultural confluence held on 30 July 2026 at the Rabindra Mandap, Bhubaneswar, one of the most memorable celebrations in the festival's history. The program featured spectacular performances by renowned classical dancers and musicians. The presentation of the Aekalavya Samman 2026 was an admirable highlight. A special memorial tribute honouring the late Labanga Lata Joshi - the mother of Saswat Joshi - appropriately recognized her enduring inspiration and contribution to the cultural journey of Lasyakala Dance Vision.

A thought-provoking cultural seminar, bringing together eminent scholars, researchers, and practitioners to discuss the evolving role of Indian art forms in contemporary society and their responsibility towards future generations, was an added attraction of the festival. Promising young artistes were duly appreciated. Season 16 aimed not only to celebrate artistic brilliance but also to inspire meaningful dialogue, encourage cultural education, and strengthen the connection between tradition and modern society. The festival sought to create an inclusive platform where artistes from different generations and regions came together to exchange ideas, share knowledge, and uphold the timeless values of Indian classical arts.

Based in Hyderabad, Sasmita Mishra, a distinguished Odissi dancer, performer, and cultural ambassador, was awarded the Aekalavya Samman. Ileana Citaristi, an accomplished Odissi and Mayurbhanj Chhau dancer, was the Chief Guest.

Saswat Joshi and dancers

Lasyakala Dance Production's 'Rutu Sambhara' (A Celebration of the Six Seasons), conceptualized by Bhagyalipi Malla to the music composition of Jayashree Dhal, was choreographed and presented by Saswat Joshi and the Lasyakala Dance Vision Ensemble. Rutu Sambhara was inspired by the eternal cycle of nature and the six traditional Indian seasons (Shad Ritu), celebrating the harmonious relationship between humanity and the natural world. Rooted in the rich cultural and literary traditions of India, the presentation portrayed the ever-changing beauty of Vasanta (Spring), Grishma (Summer), Varsha (Monsoon), Sharada (Autumn), Hemanta (Pre-Winter), and Shishira (Winter), each unfolding with its own unique colours, emotions, moods, and rhythms.

Through intricate group formations, rhythmic precision, expressive storytelling, and the timeless elegance of Odissi, the ensemble created a visually stunning and emotionally enriching experience. Rutu Sambhara was a celebration of the rhythm of nature, the splendor of India's seasonal diversity, and the enduring spirit of Indian classical dance. It served as a fitting opening presentation to Season 16, inviting the audience to embark on a journey through the ever-changing yet eternal cycle of life, culture, and creation.

Sasmita Mishra

The second piece, 'Ashtanayika,' describing the Eight Heroines of Classical Indian Aesthetics, was performed by Sasmita Mishra. Her dance movements were graceful, and her abhinaya was highly expressive. Her impeccable command over rhythm and technique sustained the devotional and aesthetic essence of Odissi. Her presentation combined traditional repertoire with emotional storytelling, transporting the audience into the spiritual and poetic world that defines this dance form.

'Varsavisara - The Arrival of the Monsoon' was performed by Dr. Bhoomika Dash, a distinguished Odissi dancer, who celebrated the grace and beauty of tradition. Her refined technique, vibrant stage presence, and artistic versatility were impressive. She seamlessly combined precision and spirituality in her performance.

Bhoomika Dash

Shayomita Dasgupta

Shayomita Dasgupta performed 'Shyamamaya - The Divine Essence of Lord Krishna.' Her presentation beautifully integrated intricate footwork, delicate body movements, expressive facial gestures, and rhythmic sophistication, creating a deeply engaging experience for the audience. Her performance reflected the enduring beauty of Odisha's classical heritage while demonstrating the timeless relevance of Odissi in contemporary cultural expression.

Pankaj Kumar Pradhan

Pankaj Kumar Pradhan presented his own creations, Shivastakam and Naari. His choreography, conceptualization, and performance were flawless and spectacular. A renowned teacher firmly rooted in classical tradition, Guru Pradhan has dedicated his life to preserving the rich heritage of Odissi. His presentation showcased a harmonious blend of traditional repertoire and contemporary artistic interpretation, highlighting the limitless creative possibilities within the classical framework. Through intricate choreography, expressive storytelling, rhythmic brilliance, and visual grandeur, this performance celebrated the artistic excellence, discipline, and spiritual philosophy that define Odissi.

Through Aekalavya, Lasyakala honoured the past, celebrated the present, and inspired the future of Odissi.

Tapati Chowdhurie trained under Guru Gopinath in Madras and was briefly with International Centre for Kathakali in New Delhi. Presently, she is a freelance writer on the performing arts. She is the author of 'Guru Gopinath: The Making of a Legend.' Tapati received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for 2024 for Art Critique in Performing Arts.