Travel To Orissa

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Origins of Odissi
Orissa has long been known for its dances. The odissi dance form is one of the most graceful dances and is one of the classical dances of Indiwhich is world famous. The dance has been modernized from its earlier form and has been popularized by Maestro Kelucharan Mahapatra.

Traditionally small boys and girls have always learned the dance form in the villages and cities of Orissa. In fact images of the dancers have been found in Udaygiri caves dating from the 1st century AD. It shows that the dances have been a part of the tradition since times immemorial

During the days of British or the Raj, the dances had all but vanished, but they were revived back after the independence. With some modifications, the dance form captivated people in India and outside India also.

Its origins are in the devdasis tradition. It was a dance that was originally performed in the temples and in the courts of the Kings. During the medieval period in Orissa history, many magnificent temples were built by ruling kings. This temple became a place where the dancers would perform Odissi.

Many from far and wide came to enjoy the performances. During the British Raj, however, the dancers came to be associated with prostitution. Odissi is a very graceful dance and requires years of training under the right gurus.

Revival of the dance form
Brilliant performers like Guru Deba Prasad Das and Guru Mayadhar Raut have taken the dance form to the next level. Danseuse Sonal Mansigh is responsible for bringing the dance form to the notice of Westerners too.

The dance shows the love between Lord Krishna and his consort Radha. The dance is based on the Tribhangi concept or 3 parts of the body tat includes the head, the bust and the torso. The movements are also enacted through the mudras.

Chau Dance form
This is a folk dance form and is performed all over the tribal belt. The themes are taken from the sacred texts of Ramayana and Mahabharata and show combat and fights. It’s a complete opposite to Odissi dance form and is very quick and has fast movements for the hands and the feet.

Naga Dance
This is another tribal dance form of Orissa and is performed without any music or musical instruments. The other dance is known as the Ghumra dance.

It’s a treat o watch these daces. A visit to the state is incomplete without the live performances of these dances.