17th Guru Debaprasad Nrutya Parampara: A celebration of Odissi dance

Debadhara Delhi, a renowned institution dedicated to preserving and promoting the unique Odissi dance style of the late Guru Debaprasad Das, is set to host the 17th Guru Debaprasad Nrutya Parampara Festival. The event will take place on December 3 and 4 at the Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, beginning at 6:30 PM on both evenings. With free entry, the festival offers a golden opportunity for art and dance enthusiasts to immerse themselves in India’s classical heritage.

Curated by Festival Director Guru Binayak Panda, along with Assistant Festival Director Ankita Kumari, the two-day event promises to be a grand celebration of classical Indian dance and music. The festival will feature performances by eminent artists and groups, highlighting the richness and diversity of Indian artistic traditions.

The inaugural evening on December 3, will open with a performance by Guru Binayak Panda and his group, presenting the graceful movements of Odissi dance. This will be followed by Padma Bhushan Guru Swapnasundari and her disciple, who will showcase Agama Bharatam, an ancient temple ritual dance. Adding to the evening’s allure, Padma Shri Guru Bharati Shivaji and her group will perform the elegant dance form of Mohiniattam. The day will conclude with a captivating Kathak duet by celebrated Assamese artists Guru Marami Medhi and Meghranjani Medhi.

Also Read: Parampara Series: A festival of music and dance

The second evening, on December 4, will begin with a performance by the Debadhara Group, offering a glimpse into the intricate beauty of Odissi dance. Pushpashree Mishra will then enthrall the audience with her soulful semi-classical vocal renditions. The festival will conclude with an enchanting performance by Ghazal maestro Guru Chandan Das, leaving the audience with a memorable experience.

Debadhara, founded in 2003 by Guru Binayak Panda, has been instrumental in preserving the synthetic gharana of Odissi, which combines tribal, folk, and classical traditions of Odisha. Over the past two decades, the institution has successfully organised 36 festivals of Indian dance and music, both in India and abroad, fostering cultural exchange and promoting India’s ancient art forms globally.

The 17th edition of the Guru Debaprasad Nrutya Parampara Festival continues this legacy, bringing together legendary performers and emerging talent on a single platform. Audiences are invited to join this cultural extravaganza at the Stein Auditorium for two evenings of spellbinding performances, celebrating India’s artistic heritage.

When: December 3 to 4; 6:30 PM onwards

Where: Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi