The last step

Sanjukta was gifted with a resilient body. Tall, slim, with long arms she could effortlessly adopt sculptural poses hitherto seen only on temple walls. What added to her performances was that Sanjukta was a devout believer and would often fall into a trance-like state while dancing the Moksha Mangalam.

In fact, it would not be wrong to say that Odissi grew with Sanjukta acquiring several dimensions in that journey. She was accompanied in her travel through dance by her husband, Raghunath Panigrahi, a gifted singer who lend his voice to add a mystical quality to Sanjukta8217;s dance.

By pooling their talents they choreographed dance sequences like Yugmadwandwa, a repartee between a dancer and singer with each trying to achieve the upper hand. In death, she has merged with Lord Jagannath, the presiding deity of the universe.

Today, Krishti and the disciples of Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra will pay tribute to Sanjukta Panigrahi at 6.30 pm at the Nehru Centre Planetarium basement hall. All are welcome.