Pandavani artiste seeks Government attention in Kharavela festival in Bhubaeswar

Pandavani artiste seeks Government attention in Kharavela festival in Bhubaeswar
New Kerala 

By Sarda Lahangir, Bhubaneswar: “Kharavela”, the annual music festival, marked to commemorate the heroic and glorious rule of the greatest Jain ruler of Kalinga, is awaited by all music lovers in Bhubaneswar. Held in the foothills of historic Khandagiri and Udayagiri in Bhubaneswar recently it was a memorable occasion.

Aimed at showcasing the rich tapestry of classical dance, folk dance, art forms, music, handicraft and handlooms, the week-long Kharavela festival is keenly awaited by all.

Renowned Chhattisgarhi Panduwani folksinger Teejan Bai enthralled the audience through her style of singing this year. The audiences were also treated to experimental ballet fusions…. a blend of Indian classical and western classical ballet.

“We are performing a fusion of western classical dance and Indian classical dance that is the kathak. The ballet that we are performing has been choreographed by Pt Birju Maharaj and the music rendered by the Grammy award winner Bikram Ghosh,” said Ritushree Choudhury, a Kathak dancer.

The visitors who poured in from abroad too to witness the week-long festival say they were left spellbound with the performances. “I am very fortunate to be here in Orissa at this time of the festival. It is indeed a privilege to see these artists perform and I think it is a wonderful celebration that you have and I hope it continues year after year,” said Talwar, a visitor from Canada.

“It was wonderful, it was really fabulous. I cannot believe the warmth of the people and the talent that were seen here. The dance quality is unbelievable. I go to the ballet in Los Angeles a lot but this is tremendous,” said Martha, another visitor from California.

The festival concluded this Friday (Feb.10).

Meanwhile, even when the Government of India is leaving no stone unturned to promote Indian culture across the world, some folk artistes feel there are many art forms that seek serious attention before they become a forgotten tale.

One of such folk artistes is Teejan Bai, famous around the world for her highly fascinating narrative style of “Pandavani”, literally means the story of Pandavas, or the story of the Hindu epic Mahabharata. As she gave yet another spirited performance before the audience in Bhubaneswar during the ongoing Kharavela music festival in Bhubaneswar, Teejan Bai urged all to promote Pandavani.

“We should work hard to preserve our art forms and culture… to save it from extinction. I request with folded hands to one and all that they should respect and work hard for the enrichment and preservation of the art forms of their region. Even the government should contribute as much as possible for spreading of these art forms even among masses throughout the world,” said Teejan Bai.

Hailing from Chhattisgarh, Teejan Bai combines speech, song and mime with such an excellence that the audience go enthralled regardless of which part of earth she is performing. During her recent performance in Bubhaneswar this Thursday, the old-timers as well as youngsters from far off places, and the tourists from abroad sat mesmerized, listening to the distinctive singing style of the folk artist.

“It is indeed a privilege to see these artistes perform. I think it is wonderful, celebration that you have. I hope it continues year after year,” said Kate, a visitor.

Teejan Bai strongly advocated the need to preserve the forms of Indian art and culture.

Honoured with “Padma Shree”, one of the greatest award for distinguished contribution in Arts, Education, Industry, Literature, Science, Games, Sports, by Government of India, Teejan Bai has performed to rave reviews in different parts of the world including France, Russia, US and other Asian countries.

It is to her credit that Pandavani art has been taken outside India through various cultural exchange programmes sponsored by the Government of India.