Utkal Sanskruti- an exuberant program conceived by Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence and organised in association with Jagannath Temple Trust UK captivated the audiences in the UK, Norway, India, the USA and the Middle East. The online session highlighted the unique performing arts, handlooms, cuisine, painting and sand art of Odisha people.
The program began with an invocation Ahe Nila Saila by Dr. Bhagyashree Singh, Cultural Secretary of Odisha Society of UK. She has also presented Bande Utkal Janani later. After a beautiful message by Amish Tripathi, celebrated author and Director of Nehru Centre (ICCR London), Dr. Sahadev Swain has given an introduction about Sanskruti Centre.
Shilpiguru Padma Vibhushan Dr. Raghunath Mohapatra spoke about the antiquity of Pattachitra and outlined how the colours used in the painting art are extracted. Guru Satyapira Palai from Chandrasekhar Gotipua Kalasansad in Dimirisena Village has explained about Gotipua dance tradition, while his young students have demonstrated the steps.
Dr. NM Nandakumara, Executive Director of the Bhavan extended his best wishes and appreciated the pursuit of highlighting the importance of supporting the art forms that do not have greater exposure. Yuva Nritya Ratna awardee Natalie Rout’s graceful Odissi dance, choreographed by Guru Ratikant Mohapatra, was presented with introductory lines by Dr Usha Rout.
Soumendra Mahapatra, Second Secretary (Visa) at the High Commission of India in London, has briefly spoken about how delightful it is to see such an interesting line-up of performances and presentations. Renowned Sand Sculptor and Sand Painter Narayan Sahu’s presentation at the program has won the hearts of many. Dr. Rosalin Patasani Mishra, Founder of Parichay Foundation passionately presented Odisha weavers and the different types of handlooms such as Ikat, Kotpad, Khandua and Habaspuri and spoke of the initiative Parineeti.
ICCR-empanelled Mayurbhanj Chhau dancer and Founder-director of Trikayaa dance company Rakesh Sai Babu’s presentation was breathtaking. He is Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar in the field of Chhau dance given by Sangeet Natak Academy for 2018-19. This was followed by Thia Puchi Naranga performed during Kumar Purnima where rural sportswomen are trained by charitable trust Madhumaya Panigrahi Foundation.
The performance was introduced by Hrusikesh and Sudipta Panigrahi duo. Rangabati dance was presented by Pragyan Devi, Reena Khuntia and Reena Meher. Dr Jayashree Nanda presented on unique Odiya cuisine including Dalma, Kakara and explained about Mahaprasada & Chhappan Bhog. Dr. Prakash Dey has outlined the objectives of charitable organisation of Jagannath Temple Trust.
Honourable Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Odisha) Shri Jyoti Prakash Panigrahi has briefly joined the online event.
Technical support was given by Sushil Rapatwar, coordination by Sukant Sahu and Vote of Thanks was given by Ragasudha Vinjamuri- Founder of Sanskruti Centre.
Hrusikesh and Sudipta Panigrahi introducing This Puchi Naranga at Utkal Sanskruti 
Dr Rosalin P Mishra talking about Odisha handlooms at Utkal Sanskruti event 
Presentation of Natalie Rout’s Odissi at Utkal Sanskruti program 
Dr Usha Rout introducing Natalie Rout’s performance at Utkal Sanskruti 
Pragyan Devi introducing Rangabati dance 
Bhagyashree Singh presenting invocation at Utkal Sanskruti program 
Soumndra Mahapatra from the High Commission of India at Utkal Sanskruti 
Attendees at Utkal Sanskruti Program