The Sanskrit shloka — Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnu Gurur Devo Maheshwaraha, Guru Saakshaat Parabrahma Tasmai Sri Gurave Namaha (Salutations to the teacher who is the creator, the preserver, the destroyer and the absolute) — is the inspiration for disciples of Odissi legend, Guru Mayadhar Raut. His 87th birthday is being celebrated by his students through performances at the Nritya Parampara — Festival of Indian Classical and Contemporary Dances, which begins on July 6.
Besides celebrating the rich oeuvre of Guru Mayadhar Raut, the festival also provides a stage to young Indian artists to present their myriad dance forms. From Manipuri to Odissi and even Indian contemporary dance, there are a variety of choreographies. “I’m presenting an Odissi composition, Dashavatar, conceived by guruji,” says Odissi dancer Naimisha Pradhan. “It traces the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu, as depicted by the poet Jayadeva in his work Gita Govinda. Guruji’s style is known for the graceful movements, technical perfection and intense abhinaya (acting). It also depicts bhakti (devotion), and shringar (love) rasa, which is symbolic of Lord Jagannath,” adds Pradhan, who has been practising for two hours every day to perfect her solo recital at the festival.
“My father has been a guru to many dancers who are now Padma awardees. Since his birthday falls around Guru Purnima, it’s a double celebration for us. From Bharatanatyam to Kuchipudi, we have invited a plethora of dancers to perform at this festival. Unlike most festivals, we have given an opportunity to young performers to showcase their talent. These artists have also been training for decades and are rooted in Indian culture. Their passion for the art of dance is such that some of guruji’s students have especially travelled from across India to be a part of this festival,” says Madhumita Raut, festival curator and daughter of Mayadhar Raut.
{{/usCountry}}“My father has been a guru to many dancers who are now Padma awardees. Since his birthday falls around Guru Purnima, it’s a double celebration for us. From Bharatanatyam to Kuchipudi, we have invited a plethora of dancers to perform at this festival. Unlike most festivals, we have given an opportunity to young performers to showcase their talent. These artists have also been training for decades and are rooted in Indian culture. Their passion for the art of dance is such that some of guruji’s students have especially travelled from across India to be a part of this festival,” says Madhumita Raut, festival curator and daughter of Mayadhar Raut.
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