**Bhubaneswar: ** As the countdown for the 22nd Asian Athletics Championships has begun, preparations for the scintillating inaugural ceremony are in full swing while the Odia artistes are on a hectic rehearsal bid to showcase Utkal (erstwhile Odisha)’s rich cultural extravaganza before the grand guests from 45 countries across the Asian continent.
As slated, the much-awaited opening ceremonial is on July 5 and the Asian sports personalities will be on the tracks competing for the coveted credentials from July 6 to 9.
The majestic moments being hosted in the well-refurbished Kalinga Stadium of India’s numero uno smart city here that has already carved a niche in the global tourism arena as Temple City.
Talking to Ommcom News, eminent Odissi danseuse Aruna Mohanty informed, “For the Asian Athletics opening ceremony, a number of groups have been participating. I’ve been entrusted with two groups having two sequences. One is Kalinga War, Emperor Ashok’s victory, his transformation into ‘Dharmashoka’ (pious man) from ‘Chandashoka’ (evil man), spearheading preaching of Buddhism from the sacred soil of Kalinga to foreign lands. Another theme is that of temples of Odisha. It includes the epoch of Konark, the myriad of inanimate statues carved on its walls get animated. It is reflected in our classical dances of Odissi and Devadashi dance forms.”
“One group is from Mumbai. Also Shankar Mahadevan is participating. Besides Helios Angel and Thousands Hands from Thailand. There will be an amalgam of well-assorted cultural flavours on display of 45-minute duration. In our segment, around 500 artists are participating. Among them are 170 students of KIIT International School, 150 Odissi dancers, 130 martial dancers et al,” the enthusiastic Odissi danseuse delineated.
Interacting with Ommcom News, Balwant Singh, Director, Technical Education & Training, Odisha briefed, “Opening ceremony will be held on July 5 evening hours. The formal programme has been scheduled from 6 to 8 pm. Prior to that, both the spectators and athletes will enter the venue here from 4 pm onwards. The formal programme as per protocol includes march past, oath taking, hoisting of flag, speeches of the dignitaries of 40-45 minutes span. It will be followed by cultural programme of 40-45 minutes. All are on draft stage. Primarily our theme is of Odisha State’s culture, tradition and heritage. Keeping it intact, how we’re progressing into modernity will also be our objective.”
“Noted Odissi exponent Aruna Mohanty ji’s troupe has three acts on Kalinga War, Ashoka, Peace, development of our State during the reign of Kharavela. Prince Dance group will perform an act on the theme of Sun. A dance group of Thailand named Thousands Hands will enact the theme on peace celebration and how Buddhism spread from Odisha over to East and South-West countries. Zenith Dance Group from Mumbai will also perform various acts. Amid these, various other dance forms and cultural items will also be performed,” Singh listed out.
The Odisha bureaucrat quipped, “Keeping in view the size and stature of this event and guests from 45 Asian countries, this international platform has obviously a large scope for showcasing and propagating our rich cultural heritage.”