Mysore/Mysuru: The traditional dance performances and an exhilarating display of Martial Arts captivated the crowds on the seventh day of Bahuroopi National Theatre Festival (Bahuroopi Raashtriya Rangotsava) at Rangayana here yesterday.

Artistes from Karnataka and Manipur performed traditional  dances, while artistes from Kerala presented ‘Kalaripayattu’ martial arts, which drew thunderous applause from the gathering.

The event also featured Chitmela presentation by Kumaraiah and team of Hassan and Kangilu performance by Manjunatha and team of Sullia. While Chitmela was a musical presentation featuring instruments such as Nadaswara, Taala, Tamate, Dolu, Kamsale etc., Kangilu is  a Tulu performing arts and practice for invoking the Gods and popular among Mundala and Godda Communities of Dakshina Kannada.

Earlier, artistes of Ayama  Academy of Fine Arts presented a colourful performance of dances associated with different States such as Rajasthan and Punjab, at B.V. Karanth Rangachavadi.

Rangayana Mysuru Director Addanda C. Cariappa said that Odisha artistes were originally scheduled to perform ‘Gotipua’ folk dance at B.V. Karanth Rangachavadi. But as the artistes expressed their helplessness on Thursday saying that they had missed the train, the Rangyana contacted Ayama Academy Founder Shambhavi and appealed her to present a programme, which she readily agreed, following which artistes from the Academy gave an excellent performance.

The artistes were presented a memento by Rangayana.