Nakshatra Dance Festival – Day 2

Pallaban
Odissi by Dr. Aruna Mohanty & Troupe
Ojas – The Inner Fire
Kathak by Rajendra Gangani & Troupe

Dr. Aruna Mohanty is one of India’s leading Odissi dancers, choreographers and cultural administrators. She received her early training under Srinath Rout and Govind Charan Pal, followed by advanced tutelage from Gangadhar Pradhan. She has also worked closely with legends, including Kelucharan Mohapatra, Pankaj Charan Das, Sanjukta Panigrahi and Dr. Sonal Mansingh. Dr. Mohanty has performed internationally, including at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (USA), and served as a visiting faculty member at the University of California, San Diego. A celebrated choreographer, she has directed performances for major national events such as the Asian Athletics Championships, FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup, Make in Odisha and Khelo India. A recipient of the Padma Shri (2017) and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2010), she is the founder of the Odisha Dance Academy and curator of the internationally renowned Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav, while continuing to contribute significantly to India’s cultural institutions.

Pallaban unfolds like petals, each revealing a different facet of Odisha. The first petal celebrates dance itself, exploring the beauty, rhythm and timeless language of Odissi. The second, ‘Rasa Ramayana’, brings the Ramayana alive through its many emotions and rasas. The final petal, ‘Mahanadi’, follows the river as it flows through Odisha, nurturing its land, protecting its people and becoming the lifeline of the state. Three petals, three stories and one unforgettable journey through the soul of Odisha.

Rajendra Gangani is one of the foremost exponents of the Jaipur gharana of Kathak, celebrated for his exceptional artistry, technical virtuosity and innovative approach to the classical dance form. Born into a distinguished family of Kathak dancers, he began his training at the age of four under his father and guru, Kundan Lal Gangani. Renowned for his command over intricate bols, rhythmic precision and expressive choreography, he has performed extensively at prestigious festivals and venues across the world, including the Festival of India in the USSR and at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, London,. Also proficient in the tabla, harmonium and pakhawaj, Gangani brings a rare musical depth to his performances and compositions. His many honours include the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2003), presented by President Dr. A. P .J. Abdul Kalam, as well as the Nritya Chudamani, Sangeet Raj, Shastriya Nritya Shiromani, and the Best Dancer Award in China.

Ojas is a dance production that explores the luminous inner energy that shapes the human spirit. Rooted in the Indian concept of ojas—the quiet radiance born of spirituality—it celebrates the strength, grace, resilience and compassion that emerge through a life of purpose and devotion. Through music and dance, the performance traces the journey of this subtle yet transformative force, revealing how it inspires courage in moments of doubt, hope in times of weariness and creativity in acts of expression. As movement reaches its highest expression, the body becomes a vessel for light—radiant, alive and imbued with ojas—illuminating not only the self but all those it touches.

(Dr. Aruna Mohanty and Rajendra Gangani are part of the Nrityagurukul programme.)

Box Office: 09th September for Members & 12th September for Public.