About Paika Nrutya:

Paika Nrutya is one of the famous folk dance of Orissa. Paika comes from the sanskrit language word “Padatika” which means “foot soldiers” and nrutya means “Dance”. So, as its name indicates this is a battle dance form which is perform by boys or mens with several weapons like swords, shields, sticks and chakras (wheels) in their hands. To perform this dance form, dancers and artists wear colorful turbans and tight dhotis. Dancers and artists perform Paika Nrutya on beats and rhythm of musical intruments Narsingha, shehnai, Bheir and the Dhak and Nagara drums.
Paika Nrutya is generally perform in two groups where one group is attacked while the other one is defensive. They gradually move on to each other, but the speed of the dance suddenly increases, it indicates the beginning of the battle, and with it they rotate their sword and attack to each other, the performance reaches to its end with the fast beats of musical instruments. To perform this dance, the ground is prepared with soft earth sprinkled with oil and water.
Paika nrutya is a way to show skills and the ability of the dancers to handle weapons and enhance physical excitement and inner courage.

Location infomation of Paika Nrutya:

Paika Nrutya mostly perform in Khurda district. Along with that this folk dance is also performed in Dhenkanal, Ganjam, Puri, Gajapati, Talcher and Balasore district.

Climate/Weather in Paika Nrutya:

Summer – March to MayAverage Minimum Temperature – 36° CAverage Minimum Temperature – 24° CAverage Precipitation – 26.6 mmMonsoon – June to OctoberAverage Minimum Temperature – 32° CAverage Minimum Temperature – 25° CAverage Precipitation – 202 mmSummer – March to MayAverage Minimum Temperature – 28° CAverage Minimum Temperature – 17° CAverage Precipitation – 24.75 mm

History Paika Nrutya:

In the ancient time of monarchy, Odisha’s powerful Ganga and Gajapati rulers started extending their empire with help of vast army of valiant Paikas (Soldiers) and they successful extended their territory from the Ganga River in the north to Godavari in the south.
In return paikas got huge land from the king’s side. As they don’t received any salary or money for living, they formed the rank of a peasant-military who depends on agriculture for their living. But, they never stop practicing and training of the battle techniques. Later, they start practicing it with musical instruments to charge themselves which latterly took as a dance form. Most of the Paika villages of state have maintained the older tradition of Paika Akhada till yet, where young people gather after completing their duties and work. Along with practicing the traditional physical exercises at Akhada they often perform it with traditional musical instruments.

Languages in Paika Nrutya:

• Odiya (Primary language)
• Hindi
• English

How to reach Paika Nrutya?

Flight – Khordha district does not have any commercial airport for general public. The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar which is 45Km away from Khordha, Which is well connected with other domestic airports in India and few international flights also available.

Bus – Khurda district has a good bus connectivity. Orissa State Road Transport Corporation ( OSRTC) runs various buses which comes to this district from various major cities of Odisha which includes, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Rourkela etc. and from neighboring states as well.

Railways – Khordha has a very good railway connectivity. Khurda Road (KUR) is one of the main railway station to reach here and this railway junctions is consider as one of three divisions of East Coast Railway. You can reach here from all major cities not within the Odisha only but across the country as well.

Other Ways – Khurda is well connected to all other cities in the state by road. NH-5 connecting it to Chennai & Kolkata. Bhubaneswar is located just 25km and Pipli is just 13KM away. So, you can easily visit Khordha via private cars or cabs.

Nearest Visiting places from Paika Nrutya:

Khandagiri (20KM) – Khandagiri is located about 20Km away from the Khordha. There are 40 rock cut caves situated on two adjacent hills, Udayagiri and Khandagiri. There is a belief that the Mahavir founder of Janism, had visited Udayagiri and khandagiri in the 6th Century B.C.
Atri (16KM) – Atri is a village which is located at 16KM fromt the khurhda main city. This place is famous for its perennial hot spring. This hot spring is very useful to cure skin diseases as it contains some medical properties naturally.
Chausathi Jogini Mandir (62KM) – Chausathi Jogini Mandir is located at Hirapur which around 62 Km from the Khordha. This temple was built during Bramha dynasty in the 9th century. There are 63 idols of Goddess made of black granite situated in the wall and built in a circular fashion. In the center of the temple you can see the idol of Goddess Mahamaya, stand on human head.
Nandankanan Zoological Park (36KM) – Nandankanan Zoological Park is 36 km away from khurdha, you can reach here via via Khurdha – Chandaka Rd and via Nandankanan Rd. Located in the Chandaka Forest, on the banks of the Kanjia Lake. The zoo contains about 1660 individual animals representing 166 species, including 67 species of mammals, 81 species of birds, and 18 species of reptiles.Dhauli Giri Hills (52KM) –This place is located on the banks of Daya River and about 52 KM away from Khordha. There is a Shanti Stupa which is also known as Peace Pagoda. This is belief that this is the place where the famous Kalinga War was fought. The ancient sculptures and varied extraordinary art forms are also located at the site.

Nearest Petrol Pump near by Paika Nrutya:

• Radha krishna Filling Station Hindustan Petroleum
  Add: Nayagarh, NH-224, Phulbani Khurda Road
• Prava Hatakeswar Filling Station Hindustan Petroleum
  Add: Khordha, NH-224, Phulbani Khurda Road
• Reliance Petrol Pump
  Add: National Highway 5, Jemadei, Khurda
• HP Petrol Pump – Coco Khurda
  Add: NH-5, Daleiput
• Guru Nanak Service Station Hindustan Petroleum
  Add: Uttarmundamuhan, Khordha, NH-5
• Matrukrupa Auto Filling Station Indian Oil Petrol Pump
  Add: Khurdha, Khordha, NH-5, Baharagora Chennai Highway
• Ms Maa Ugratara Filling Station Bharat Petroleum
  Add: Khurdha, Khordha, NH-5, Baharagora Chennai Highway

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation near by Paika Nrutya:

1. Hotel Bhagaban Villa
   Khurdha Bypass Rd, Khurdha, Contact – 099379 26927
2. Hotel Suryamukhi
   Khurda Bypass,National Highway 5, Contact – 06755 220 666
3. Anand Bhawan Hotel & Restaurant
   Khorda Main Road, Near Traffic Chhaka, Contact – 098610 44145
4. Hotel Landmark
   Near Niser, Padanpur, Contact – 092381 01008
5. Hotel South City
   2, 30 Feet Rd, Kalinga Vihar, Patrapada, Contact – 093371 28871
6. Hotel Kharavela
   Khandagiri Chhak, Jagamara, Dharam Vihar, Contact – 0674 235 1463
7. Omm Shree Lodge
   Main Road, Khurda Town, Contact – 094377 56668
8. Digantika Hotel & Resturant
   Main Road, Khurda, Contact – 091789 63494
9. Hotel Rajmahal
   Rajmahal Square, Bapuji Nagar, Contact – 0674 259 7648

Things to carry in near Paika Nrutya:

To see a dance form you don’t need to carry something specific. But, if you want to click some pictures or want to make some videos than take cameras or camera mobile phones with you.

Tips & Suggestions in Paika Nrutya:

Paika Nrutya nowadays can be seen only in special occasions like Dussera, Kali Puja, birth anniversary celebration of Harekrushna Mahatab and the Dhauli Kalinga Mahotsav. So, the best time to come Khordha district in between September-November.

Help Line/Phone Number in Paika Nrutya:

• District Tourist Office – 0674-2431299
• Superintendent of Police – 06755-220535(O) / 94389-16280 (CUG Mob.)
• IIC Khurda P.S – 06755 220519
• Fire Station, Tangi – 101/ 06756 224 222
• Fire Station Fruit Stall Complex – 101/ 0674 256 1545
• Capital Hospital – 0674 239 1983
• ESI Hospital – 0674 236 0319
• Govt Hospital – 0674 255 0042
• Local ambulance – +91 9937255912 / 9437505560
• Capital Hospital (Ambulance) – 0674 2401983

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