Kathak Artiste Performs Gita Govinda at Bhubaneswar Cultural Festival
Key Points:
- Sri Jayadev Samaroh and Naveen Kalakar held in Bhubaneswar
- Ananya Goswami honored with Jayadev and Mahendra Swain awards
- Her Kathak solo of Thunga Thunga and Lalita Lavanga praised
BHUBANESWAR – The Sri Jayadev Rastriya Samaroh 2025 and Naveen Kalakar program concluded in Bhubaneswar on August 29 and 30, 2025.
The two-day festival was organized by the National Culture Mission with support from the Department of Culture, Government of Odisha. Bhanja Kala Mandap hosted the events, with morning sessions reserved for Naveen Kalakar, the national talent search program, and evening sessions for the Jayadev Samaroh.
Ananya Goswami, Kathak and Visual Artist, played a prominent role. She judged the Naveen Kalakar competition, which encouraged young performers from across India.
For her contribution to classical dance, she was honored with the Sri Jayadev International Award and the Mahendra Swain International Award for Culture. The awards were presented by Festival Director Jagabandhu Jena, MLA Dushmanta Kumar Swain, and Chief Advisor Dr. Prasanna Kumar Patasani.
Later, she presented a Kathak solo at the Jayadev Samaroh. Her recital featured “Thunga Thunga,” a piece by Pt. Birju Maharaj, and “Lalita Lavanga,” an ashtapadi from poet Jayadev’s Gita Govinda. Her performance was marked by expressive grace and technical precision.
Kuchipudi exponent Anupama Mohan, recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, lauded her presentation for its depth and clarity. Other artistes and attendees also expressed appreciation.
The festival celebrated poet Jayadev’s immortal work and showcased India’s classical heritage through both emerging and established artistes.
