Kolkata/IBNS: The West Bengal Dance Group Federation celebrated the World Dance Day with a felicitation ceremony of the Padma Shri winner Mamata Shankar, along with a Bihu dance from Assam and eleven other dance performances as well last month.

Actress and dancer Mamata Shankar, on receiving Padma Shri, said, “I never expected that I would receive Padma Shri but I did, all because of the blessing of my God. I haven't done anything expecting to receive an award, I just did and still do my work and whatever I get is a blessing to me.”

The event has also felicitated Bidhan Deuri Hukai, the choreographer of the Bihu dance team as well as other Gurus and dignitaries involved in the dance métier.

“I love this day (World Dance Day) because we can see such beautiful productions and performances, that is really commendable. People, even these days, cannot imagine that dance can also be a profession. This is really heartbreaking for me as a dancer," Shankar added.

(Reporting by Aaheli Chakraborty, Images by Arpita Das)