Report by Saroj Mishra, Puri: With third edition of International Beach Festival in Puri the classical ‘Basant Rasa’ by Manipur troupe dragged a huge crowd to enjoy the divine romance between Lord Srikrisna and Devi Radha.  Artists beginning  with ‘Puspanjali’ (prayer) to Lord Ganapati performed group dances and worshiped various god and goddess in a serial manner.  

They also narrated the influence of gods and goddesses on earth beginning from Lord Ganesh who is believed to be a chief resource of wisdom and insight. The Basant-Rasa (romance in autumn) between Lord Krisna and Goddess Radhika was mind-blowing which pushed thousand of visitors to the spiritual world for quite some times during the show. Huge applause came from audience towards the performers on stage. 

Likewise artists went on briefing about Lord Indra and Siva and others and their contribution to earth amazingly, which was choreographed by Bimabati Devi and Group of Manipur. Participants showcased their artistic prowess magnificently followed by shower of claps from audiences. The classical evening however, started with ‘Geeta Govindam’ staged by Puri based ‘Lingaraj Kalaniketan’.  

Then Odishi dance was staged. Artists in form of Odishi classical dances described the harvest during Odia month of Margasira and importance of auspicious Thursday, the day emensely symbolizes goddess Mahalaxmi. Renowned Odisi classical maestro Aruna Mohanty of Bhubneswar imparted her choreographic skill on the stage.  Folk dances by a group of three young girls drew center spread attention in the evening. 

With attire of Lord Siva the trios however, essayed a divine script on the stage by dragging resounding applause from the audiences. Around two thousand people patently watched the show despite a chiller weather of sea beach. Minakhi Mishra, Regional director of Indian council of Culture and Research (ICCR), Delhi honoured the artists with citations.