Bhubaneswar : The International Performing Arts Festival (IPAF) successfully organised its 9th edition in Bhubaneswar on 24 October 2026 at Jayadev Bhawan. The festival brought together distinguished guests, acclaimed artists, emerging performers, and students with hearing impairments for an inspiring evening celebrating India's rich cultural heritage, artistic excellence, and inclusivity through performing arts.

Founded by cultural entrepreneur Mr. Shyam Pandey, Director of the International Performing Arts Festival, IPAF was established on 23 July 2015 at Tagore Hall, Ahmedabad. The festival is dedicated to preserving traditional art forms, encouraging emerging talent, and providing meaningful platforms for artists across India.

The evening featured a diverse range of performances showcasing Indian classical music, Odisha's traditional dance heritage, folk traditions, and inclusive artistic expression.

The programme commenced with a captivating Hindustani classical flute performance by Pt. Abhiram Nanda and his group. A senior disciple of legendary flautist Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Pt. Nanda mesmerised the audience with his soulful rendition, accompanied on tabla by Sri Biswa Ranjan Nanda and on pakhawaj by Soumya Ranjan Nayak.

The audience was then treated to an elegant Odissi dance presentation by acclaimed dancer Shayomita Dasgupta. Trained under eminent gurus, including the legendary Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, she presented Durga Stuti – JatajutaSamayuktam, celebrating the divine feminine energy of Goddess Durga through graceful movements and expressive storytelling.

One of the highlights of the festival was the heartfelt performance by students of Satyabhama Devi College for Hearing Impaired, Unit-6, Bhubaneswar. Through devotional and expressive dance presentations to “Mo Jaga Kaliare,” “Sajani Sajani Kala Chanda,” and “Satyam Shivam Sundaram,” the students demonstrated their artistic abilities and devotion, conveying a powerful message of inclusion and the ability of art to transcend barriers.

Established in 2016, the institution is dedicated to providing higher education to students with hearing impairments and nurturing their talents. Under the guidance of Managing Trustee Ms. Niroja Laxmi Mohapatra, the college continues to encourage students through education, creativity, and cultural participation.

The festival also featured a vibrant presentation by young students of Saraswati Shishu Vidya Mandir, Rasulgarh, showcasing Odisha's cultural traditions through Sambalpuri folk dance and a devotional bhajan performance.

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