on Sunday, March 16th, 2025, at C.D. Deshmukh Auditorium, India International Centre, New Delhi
Utsav Educational and Cultural Society, the distinguished initiative founded by Guru Ranjana Gauhar to nurture and promote the art of Odissi presented Nritya Moha, an enchanting Odissi dance recital by the disciples of Padma Shri and SNA Awardee Guru Ranjana Gauhar. The event was graced by the esteemed Dr. Sonal Mansingh, Padma Vibhushan & former Rajya Sabha Member, as the Chief Guest.
The event took place on Sunday, March 16th, 2025, at the C.D. Deshmukh Auditorium, India International Centre, New Delhi.
This unique performance was preceded by an insightful seminar, Odissi at the Crossroads which included a panel of distinguished experts:
– Padmashree Madhavi Mudgal (Choreography): Examined the balance between tradition and experimentation in new productions.
– Sharon Lowen, Sahitya (Literature): Analyzed the role of poetry, language and literary sources in shaping Odissi’s narrative and expression.
– Jyoti Srivastava (Music): Explored the changing dynamics of Odissi’s musical tradition, innovations in composition and the role of live vs. recorded music.
– Kavita Dwivedi (Technique): Discussed evolving training methodologies and their impact on performance and endurance.
The panel was followed by a Q&A and Open Discussion, moderated by Dr. Sonal Mansingh. The event was supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
The five talented disciples of Guru Ranjana Gauhar, who performed these pieces, were Swati Sharma, Urjaswi Dutta, Archisha Arya, Shambhavi Gupta and Lavanya Chugh who showcased a collective invocation with Maatra Bhoomi Mangalacharan, honoring Mother Earth; her divine music and the harmony she propels through nature. Next, Urjaswi Dutta performed Radha Rani, a portrayal of Radha’s divine dance with Krishna, capturing the essence of love and devotion set against the vibrant backdrop of Holi.
Shambhavi Gupta then presented Shankarabaranam Pallavi, a lyrical expression of joy and spirituality, where the dance progressed from simple to intricate movements symbolizing spiritual elevation. Lavanya Chugh performed Sangini Re Chahan, depicting young Krishna’s divine beauty, as celebrated by the poet Banmali Das. Finally, Archisha Arya concluded with Vishweshwara written by Raja Swati Tirunal of Travancore, a powerful piece that narrated the devotee’s journey to Kashi, seeking the blessings of Lord Vishweshwar, capturing Shiva’s majestic presence.
Ecstatic to see her disciples ahead of the performance, whom she considers true prodigies, Ranjana Gauhar expressed, “Watching my disciples perform is a moment of profound joy. They are not just talented dancers; they are true prodigies who have poured their hearts into their art. It fills me with immense pride to see them embody the spirit of the Guru-Shishya Parampara, and I am deeply moved by their dedication and the beauty they bring to the stage.”
The Odissi at the Crossroads seminar, which preceded the performance, delved into the evolving dynamics of Odissi, addressing the shifting landscape of music, choreography, training methods and the role of literature in shaping the dance’s emotional depth.
Nritya Moha is a profound exploration of the Guru-Shishya Parampara, an ancient and revered tradition in Indian classical arts where knowledge, artistry, and values are passed from teacher to student through years of training and mentorship. This performance captures the essence of this sacred relationship, where the students, under the guidance of Guru Ranjana Gauhar, express the fruits of their years of dedication and learning on stage. Through these performances, the audience will witness the perfect blend of tradition, devotion, and innovation that is the hallmark of Odissi dance.
