Posted on 29 August 2026:

Shraddhanjali 2026: Kolkata’s Grand Tribute to Odissi Maestro Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra’s Birth Centenary

The Odissi Dancers’ Forum of Kolkata, supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, presents Shraddhanjali 2026, a special two-day festival commemorating the birth centenary of Padma Vibhushan Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra, one of the most influential figures in shaping Odissi’s evolution and global recognition.

Themed “A Century of Grace, Genius & Legacy,” the festival unfolds on 1 and 2 September 2026, bringing together eminent artistes, teachers, dancers and cultural practitioners to celebrate the Guru’s remarkable artistic journey and enduring influence.

The centenary tribute opens on 1 September with a lecture and interaction session, “Remembering Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra: Celebrating 100 Years of the Maestro,” from 11 am to 1 pm at Jorasanko Thakur Bari, organised by the West Bengal State Akademi of Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts, Rabindra Bharati University.

Distinguished artistes Padmashree Guru Smt. Kumkum Mohanty and Guru Sri Ratikant Mahapatra will share personal reflections on the maestro’s artistic vision, teaching methodology and lasting contribution to Odissi.

The festival continues with two evenings of performances, from 6 pm onwards on both days at Gyan Manch, Kolkata, compered by Neeladyuti Chaudhury.

These evenings will showcase established and emerging talent across generations, including participating academies Jailal Academy of Dance, Jhinuk Mukherjee Sinha & Group, and Kalamandalam Swarnadeepa, alongside featured artistes such as Dipanwita Roy, Rina Jana, Maya Bhattacharya, Kakali Bose, Saswati Sarkar, Subikash Mukherjee, Krishnendu Roy, Shib Narayan Banerjee, Shayomita Dasgupta, Nilanjana Mukherjee, Sujata Nayek, Amrita Das, Reshmi Basu, Rajneeta Mehra, Suchismita Kanijial and Sabarni(k) De.

Beyond performance, Shraddhanjali 2026 honours Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra’s defining role in shaping modern Odissi through his rigorous training, innovative choreography and deep engagement with music, literature, sculpture and abhinaya.