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Orissa
Classical and Folk dance Tour
Classical::
Odissi Music, Odissi Dance
It is said that Oddissi dance started with the dancing girls
known as maharis in Orissa who were first attached to the Shrine
of Jagannath in early 12th century A.D. In 1435 A.D. according
to evidence available, Kapilendra Deva - the Suryavamsi King
of Orissa regulated the service of the dancing girls. The dancing
girls were to dance and sing only from the Geeta-Govinda at
the time of food offering (after evening ritual ) in the Jagannath
Temple.
It continued up to 16th century A.D. But for over 300 years,
the political life of this region, particularly of Puri remained
in turmoil which also neglected the religious and social life.
The Devadasis ceased to be respected. The voluptuous dances
of 'Gotipua' and 'Sakhipila' (young boys dressed as girls) took
its place. Of course the revival of Oddissi Dance started in
the last few decades. The discovery of Abhinaya Chandrika, the
code of Oddissi Dance written in the 15th century A.D. by Maheswar
Mohapatra gave the ground for its reestablishment. Now, Oddissi
has carved a special place in the dance scenario of India. Many
noted Oddissi dancers came up. Many dance centres have grownup.
Puri is the centre for such learning and practices. The Oddissi
has a special Abhinaya proces i.e. Mangla charana, Batu Nrutya,
Pallavi, Abhinaya and Mokshya. The Oddissi Dance, performed
with the themes of Radha-Krisha, a piece from Geeta-Govinda,
Dasavatar etc. The romantic dance forms can be seen in almost
every cultural festivals of Orissa.
(Special arrangements are made during tour of Orissa to see
these dances).
Folk Dance:: Following folk dances are seen all over
Orissa during different festivals and auspicious occasions:-
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