Mrinalika and Akshita Bhanj Dev are from the Bhanj dynasty of Mayurbhanj Photo Courtesy: DO Sisters

Odissi and Chhau exponent Ileana Citaristi | Photo Credit: Courtesy: Ileana’s FB Page

In the vibrant tapestry of history and heritage, the creative collaboration between Ileana Citaristi and sisters Mrinalika and Akshita Bhanj Dev stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Italy-born Odissi and Chhau exponents Ileana and Mrinalika and Akshita, who hail from the former royal family of Mayurbhanj, Odisha, have together woven a story of cultural preservation, artistic innovation and sustainable living.

Influenced by environmental degradation and cruelty to animals such as unnatural deaths of elephants in the state, Ileana has channeled her feelings into her art. Her performances at the Nataki Festival, an international Indian dance event organized by Project Chhauni in Bhubaneswar, often reflect themes of human interaction with nature, highlighting the delicate balance between humanity and the environment. Through her dance, she raises awareness of these issues, using her art as a powerful medium for social change.

Odissi dancer Ileana Sitaristi discovered and revived Mayurbhanj Chhau. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Ileana’s journey in India began with her deep passion for Odissi dance, which she mastered under the guidance of renowned guru Kelucharan Mohapatra. His dedication to the art led him to unearth and revive Mayurbhanj Chhau. He has drawn global attention to the martial art while ensuring its survival for future generations. Her Art Vision Academy, which she started in Bhubaneswar in 1996, became a sanctuary for the arts by blending dance, painting, cinema and literature. But Ileana’s vision extends beyond the practice space and stage. With a PhD in philosophy, he began to look at the bigger picture of life. Turning her attention towards major social issues, she launched the ‘Say No to Plastic’ campaign. The senior dancer highlights these reasons in his choreography.

Parallel to Ileana’s efforts, Mrinalika is making strides in sustainable living and wellness. He has launched Hasa Atelier, which aims to harness the richness of the state’s natural resources. The initiative not only promotes well-being but also supports local farmers and artisans, ensuring the community benefits from sustainable practices.

The 200-year-old Belgaria Palace in Mayurbhanj, which is the ancestral home of the sisters, is a harmonious blend of past and present. The palace not only offers travelers an immersive experience of the rich heritage of the region but also ensures that the local community flourishes. As Akshita clearly states, “In the old days, people used to fight wars; Now we are fighting a battle like climate change.” By sourcing materials locally, employing artisans and promoting traditional dance, the palace creates an ecosystem where tourism boosts community livelihoods.

One of the palace’s flagship initiatives, ‘Chhau for a Cause’, provides a platform for Mayurbhanj Chhau artists, connecting them with a global audience and sustainable income. Chhau is the rhythm of Mayurbhanj – a tradition that combines powerful movements and storytelling. Unfortunately, many of its practitioners struggle for recognition and livelihood. ‘Chhau for a Cause’ was born out of this need to preserve the art form. “We integrated it into the palace experience for visitors. We also support artists by ensuring better training and connecting them with audiences around the world. The initiative ensures that each performance is a step towards preserving this cultural treasure. We come from a family that has a deep understanding of our roots. Although we went abroad to study, we came back to use that knowledge to connect the art and culture of the region with contemporary times,” says Akshita.