Mukteswar Dance Festival 2025 – Saswat Joshi’s ‘Trikhanda’ Steals the Spotlight at Mukteswar Dance Festival
Mukteswar Dance Festival 2025 – Saswat Joshi’s ‘Trikhanda’ Steals the Spotlight at Mukteswar Dance Festival
Bhubaneswar: The Mukteswar Dance Festival, held on the serene premises of the Mukteswar Temple, continues to mesmerize audiences with its celebration of India’s classical dance heritage. Organized by the Government of Odisha’s Department of Language, Literature, and Culture in collaboration with Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi, the festival brings together renowned artists and breathtaking performances.
On the second evening, the highlight was undoubtedly the performance of ‘Trikhanda’ by global dance icon Saswat Joshi and his team, LASYAKALA. This pure Odissi recital paid homage to the origins of Odissi dance, celebrating Mahari, Gotipua, and contemporary Odissi traditions.
The evening began with a graceful Shiva Vandana by Guru Sukant Kumar Kundu, setting a spiritual tone. Pompi Poul from Siliguri followed with an enchanting Odissi recital, captivating the audience with her skill and expression. The second slot featured a dynamic Kathak performance by Nirupama Rajendra from Bengaluru, adding diversity to the evening’s program.
However, it was Saswat Joshi’s ‘Trikhanda’ that stole the show. This production featured three distinct pieces: Bansi Teji Hela (Mahari), Dekhiba Para Asare (Gotipua), and Bha Champu Bhangi Chahan (modern Odissi). The intricate choreography, set to different tala rhythms, showcased the evolution of Odissi dance while paying tribute to Odisha’s rich linguistic and literary heritage. The music was composed by Suramani Ramesh Chandra Das, with rhythm composition by Guru Budhanath Swain.
The father-daughter duo of Saswat Joshi and Shreyanvi Joshi captivated the audience with their chemistry and mastery, earning applause after every segment. The choreography, deeply rooted in Odia language and culture, highlighted Lord Jagannath as its central theme. Adding a unique visual element to the evening, artist Manas Jena created a live painting on canvas during the performance, further enthralling the 5,000-strong audience.
Dr. Rosalin Patsani Mishra, founder of Parichaya, and acclaimed filmmaker Shri Sabyasachi Mohapatra inaugurated the evening. Dr. Bhagyalipi Malla, Secretary of Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi, hosted the dignitaries and performed the ceremonial lamp lighting.
The evening concluded with Dr. Bhagyalipi Malla delivering the vote of thanks and felicitating all the performers and musicians. The audience’s standing ovation was a testament to the power and beauty of the performances, especially Saswat Joshi’s unforgettable tribute to Odissi dance and Odia culture.
The Mukteswar Dance Festival continues to uphold its legacy as a grand celebration of art, culture, and tradition, leaving audiences in awe of India’s classical dance heritage.
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