Bhubaneswar, Sept.19 (ANI): The latest edition of classical Odissi dance Ashtapadi festival kicked off in India's eastern Bhubaneswar city, pays an ode to Sanskrit poet Jayadev from the 12th century. The Ashtapadi festival was inaugurated by Odisha Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik. The fourth edition of the festival includes some of the best known names in Odissi genre. Prior to the dance festival, a book 'Sampoorna Geeta Govinda', authored by noted scholar of Odisha's cultural heritage and musician Dr Subas Pani was released by the Chief Minister. The performing arts festival features Odisha's classical dance Odissi dance performances and vocal recitals of all twenty four songs of Jayadeva's Geetagovinda. Dr.Subas was hopeful that the colourful festival will provide a complete aesthetic experience to the audiences. The festival has been mounted by Sri Geeta Govinda Pratishtana of Puducherry, which has been making its presence felt across the country over the last few years with elaborate dance events dedicated to the 12th century epic of Jayadeva.
