Odissi Dance Guru Sruti Barua’s ‘Pratibimb’ Enchants Delhi

On a day filled with grace, emotion, and exceptional artistry, Guru Sruti Barua’s Odissi dance performance, Pratibimb, left the audience spellbound at the Bipin Chandra Pal Memorial Bhavan in New Delhi. The event marked not just a performance, but the living embodiment of over two decades of dedication, artistry, and devotion to Odissi dance through her institution, NrityaNarta.

The title Pratibimb, meaning “Reflection,” perfectly encapsulated the essence of the performance. With every movement and every rhythmic step, it was a profound reflection of Guru Sruti Barua’s passion and the unwavering dedication of her disciples. Through this beautiful dance, the deep connection between the Guru and her students came to life, showcasing their shared commitment to preserving the classical beauty of Odissi.

The event was graced by esteemed figures, including Justice Manju Goel, former judge of the Delhi High Court, and Padmashri awardees Nalini and Kamalini Ji, who had the privilege of lighting the ceremonial lamp to mark the beginning of the event. Their presence underscored the reverence for the art form and the respect for Sruti Barua’s lifelong contribution to Odissi.

As the performance unfolded, the audience was treated to a series of choreographed masterpieces, each more captivating than the last. The artists—some as young as six—brought to life intricate footwork and graceful movements that not only displayed the beauty of the form but also conveyed stories of devotion, spirituality, and culture. Their expressions were a testament to the emotional depth they infused into each piece.

Among the many highlights, Swagatam Krishna stood as a devotional tribute to Lord Krishna, set in the serene Raaga Mohanam and Tisra Adi Taal. Through this piece, Sruti Barua’s choreography elegantly fused spiritual devotion with classical dance, enveloping the audience in a divine aura. Mangalacharan, another poignant performance, marked the auspicious beginning of the evening with invocations to the Earth, Lord Ganesha, and the audience—each gesture a prayer, each movement a reverence.

The audience was then transported into the vivid imagery of spring’s renewal through Megh Pallavi, a dance sequence set to Raag Megh and Tala Jhampa, which blossomed into a stunning expression of rhythm, melody, and movement. It celebrated the purity of classical dance while allowing the dancers’ graceful footwork and flowing postures to evoke nature’s transformation.

The event also featured the dynamic Batu Nritya, a tribute to Lord Batuka Bhairava, where the dancers captured the fierce elegance of Odissi. The intricate rhythms and breathtaking postures highlighted Odissi’s sculptural beauty, bringing out the form’s power and grace.

As the show progressed, the performance Shree Hari Stotram delivered a soulful tribute to Lord Vishnu, and the vibrant Dalkhai -the folk dance infused the stage with energy and joy, celebrating Odisha’s folk traditions through dance and music. Namami Shamishan, a devotional piece dedicated to Lord Shiva, brought a serene conclusion to the spiritual journey, reflecting the depth of devotion that Odissi captures in every movement.

The most anticipated performance of the day, Saveri Pallavi, brought the event to its zenith. Set in Raag Saveri, this pure dance piece was a celebration of love and longing. Through Sruti Barua’s graceful execution, the legendary choreography of Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra was transformed into an emotional, captivating experience that spoke directly to the soul.

Each performance by Guru Sruti Barua and her talented disciples was not just a dance; it was a celebration of Odissi’s eternal beauty and depth. The evening was a perfect fusion of spiritual devotion, emotional expression, and technical brilliance—a tribute to Odissi’s timeless legacy and to the Guru’s life-long dedication to this sacred art form.

Through her leadership, Sruti Barua has not only kept the flame of Odissi burning but has passed it on to the next generation of artists, ensuring that the tradition of Odissi continues to thrive. This show, Pratibimb, was a beautiful reminder of how art, when nurtured with passion and devotion, becomes a living, breathing reflection of the divine.

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