‘Basi Kanduthiba Manini – Prana Sajani’ Brings the Poetry of Love and Devotion Alive at Rabindra Mandap

11th Guru Debaprasad Das Award Festival – 2026 Opens in Bhubaneswar with ‘Purusanga’, Celebrating the Legendary Odissi Maestro’s Distinctive Choreographic Legacy

Bhubaneswar, 26 October 2026: The timeless emotions of love, longing and devotion came alive at Rabindra Mandap, Bhubaneswar, as Malaysian Odissi dancer Shri Lawrence Sackris captivated audiences with evocative performances at the inaugural evening of the 11th Guru Debaprasad Das Award Festival – 2026, popularly known as Debaprasad Utsav.

Organised to commemorate the 94th Punya Janma Utsav of legendary Odissi maestro Guru Shri Debaprasad Das, the three-day festival opened on 26 October under the theme ‘Purusanga’, celebrating the maestro’s distinctive choreographic vocabulary, expressive Lasya Bhava and innovative Sabdaswara Patta. The festival brings together male Odissi dancers from across India and the international dance community to honour his enduring artistic legacy.

Lawrence Sackris Presents the Poetry of Love and Devotion

The highlight of the opening evening was the presentation of Kali Mangalacharana, choreographed by legendary Guru Shri Debaprasad Das, followed by the emotionally rich abhinaya compositions Basi Kanduthiba Manini and Prana Sajani, choreographed by Nartaki Guru Bipanchi Das.

Through nuanced expressions, graceful movements and evocative storytelling, Shri Lawrence Sackris, Artistic Director of Angika Fine Arts, Malaysia, brought the emotional depth of these compositions to life. His performance reflected his dedication to preserving and promoting the distinctive Debaprasad Das Gharana beyond geographical boundaries.

“Performing the compositions of Guru Debaprasad Das is a deeply meaningful experience. It is an honour to pay tribute to his legacy and contribute to keeping his unique artistic tradition alive for future generations,” said Shri Sackris.

Rahul Varshney Showcases the Dynamic Spirit of Male Odissi

Delhi-based Odissi dancer Shri Rahul Varshney presented Krushna Tandaba and Suryashtakam, showcasing the vigour, rhythmic precision and expressive strength of classical Odissi.

His performance highlighted the dynamic vocabulary of male Odissi and demonstrated how Guru Debaprasad Das’s distinctive choreographic vision continues to inspire contemporary performers.

“Guru Debaprasad Das’s distinctive style offers immense scope for artistic expression. Through Krushna Tandaba, I feel privileged to celebrate his contribution and pay homage to a maestro whose legacy continues to inspire dancers,” said Shri Varshney.

Rudrakshya Foundation Presents Classical Brilliance

The evening continued with Bilahari Pallavi, performed by Shri Basistha Jena and Shri Prahalad Sahoo of Rudrakshya Foundation, Bhubaneswar. Based on Raga Bilahari and set to Eka Tali, the composition featured choreography by Padma Vibhushan Guru Shri Kelucharan Mohapatra and music by Pandit Bhubaneswar Mishra.

Rudrakshya Foundation also presented Tala Taranga, featuring music by Guru Shri Ramahari Das, rhythmic composition by Guru Shri Dhaneswar Swain and choreography by Guru Shri Bichitrananda Swain. Together, the presentations showcased the richness of Odissi’s rhythmic traditions and the diversity of its choreographic expressions.

Guru Bipanchi Das Continues Her Father’s Artistic Mission

Vidushi Guru Bipanchi Das, daughter and disciple of Guru Debaprasad Das and Founder Secretary of the Guru Debaprasad Das Foundation, remains committed to preserving her father’s distinctive style and fulfilling his vision of taking the Debaprasad Das Gharana to the international diaspora.

Her recent visit to Malaysia, where she conducted workshops and presented her choreographic works, reflects her continuing efforts to expand the reach of this unique Odissi tradition and inspire dancers across generations and borders.

Through the annual Debaprasad Utsav, the Foundation continues to provide a platform for established performers and emerging talents while celebrating the artistic identity and enduring contributions of one of Odisha’s most distinctive Odissi gurus.

Eminent Personalities Grace the Inaugural Evening

The inaugural programme was graced by several distinguished personalities from Odisha’s cultural and artistic community, including eminent cinematographer Shri Surendra Sahu; Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee and Odissi exponent Dr. Snehaprava Samantaray; singer and music director Shri Sourabh Nayak; cine personality and director Shri Snehashis Das; and Shri Rakshak Nayak, Creative Editor, Kalinga TV.

The distinguished guests emphasised the importance of safeguarding Odisha’s rich cultural heritage, promoting the distinctive choreographic tradition of Guru Debaprasad Das and encouraging future generations to engage with India’s classical performing arts.

‘Nrutyanga’ Magazine Released

A significant moment of the evening was the release of the Foundation’s annual magazine, Nrutyanga. The publication reflects the organisation’s commitment to documenting, preserving and promoting Odissi dance, its artistic traditions and the legacy of the Debaprasad Das Gharana.

The magazine serves as an important medium for recording artistic contributions, sharing cultural knowledge and strengthening the connection between the classical dance community and future generations.

Three-Day Festival to Continue Until 28 October

Established in 1995, the Guru Debaprasad Das Foundation continues to work towards preserving and promoting the legacy of the legendary maestro. The 11th edition of Debaprasad Utsav will continue until 28 October 2026, featuring performances and awards recognising distinguished artists and emerging talents.

Under the artistic guidance of Guru Bipanchi Das, the inaugural evening successfully brought together tradition, artistic excellence and international cultural exchange. The engaging anchoring by Dr. Mrutyunjaya Rath added warmth and continuity to the programme, enhancing the audience’s experience.

As the festival unfolds over the coming days, Debaprasad Utsav stands as a tribute to the timeless power of Odissi and the enduring influence of Guru Debaprasad Das. Through performances that celebrate devotion, rhythm, expression and artistic innovation, the festival reaffirms its commitment to keeping Odisha’s rich classical dance heritage alive for generations to come.

About the Guru Debaprasad Das Foundation

Established in 1995, the Guru Debaprasad Das Foundation is dedicated to preserving, promoting and celebrating the distinctive artistic legacy of legendary Odissi maestro Guru Shri Debaprasad Das. Through cultural festivals, artistic presentations and initiatives supporting the Odissi community, the Foundation continues to advance the recognition of the Debaprasad Das Gharana in India and internationally.