Jharsuguda Hosts Free Classical Dance Workshop for Enthusiasts during Lok Mahotsav Dulduli 2025

Jharsuguda, 2025: In a groundbreaking initiative, the Jharsuguda District Collector, Aboli Sunil Naravane, has organized a free workshop on classical dance for local students and dance enthusiasts. The workshop aims to offer training in various classical dance forms for those who have not had the opportunity to learn due to various constraints.

For the first time in the district, renowned dancers have come together to share their expertise, coinciding with the ongoing Jharsuguda Lok Mahotsav Dulduli 2025. The workshop, which covers multiple classical dance styles such as Kathak, Odissi, Kathakali, and Sattriya, features celebrated artists from across the country.

On the opening day of the workshop, more than 60 students participated, with special sessions on Kathak dance led by the renowned Kathak dancers Avanee Gadre and Ameera Patankar from Pune. The duo shared their deep knowledge of the Kathak dance form with the attendees, who expressed immense gratitude for the rare opportunity.

District Collector Aboli Sunil Naravane expressed her excitement at the initiative, saying, “You all know that the Lok Mahotsav Dulduli is currently underway, showcasing various classical dances such as Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Sattriya, Kathakali, and more. I had requested the artists who have come for the festival to also conduct workshops for our local dance enthusiasts. Today, we had the Kathak workshop, and soon we will have sessions on Odissi and Sattriya from renowned classical dancers from Assam. On the 5th, a Kathakali workshop will also take place. I encourage everyone to participate and learn these traditional art forms.”

Dance teacher Ruby Pradhan, who has been actively involved in the initiative, expressed her gratitude, saying, “I want to thank the District Collector and the renowned Kathak dancers who have made this workshop possible. It’s an excellent opportunity for us to learn other classical dance forms, especially outside the realm of Odissi.”

Local dance enthusiast Shruti Das from the Railway Odisha Sanskritik Sangh shared her excitement: “This is the first time such a workshop has been organized in Jharsuguda. I’m thrilled to have had the chance to learn Kathak, a form so different from Odissi, and I hope more such opportunities arise in the future.”

Renowned Kathak dancer Avani Gadre, who came to Jharsuguda with her colleague Ameera Patankar to perform at the festival, expressed her joy in being part of the workshop. “It’s an honor to perform at the Jharsuguda Lok Mahotsav Dulduli 2025 and to also have the chance to teach Kathak to the dance enthusiasts here in Odisha, the land of Odissi. I am very happy to share my knowledge with the local community.”