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Odissi Dance | Dance Forms in Odisha

About Odissi Dance:

Odissi, a classical dance form from Odisha, is a blend of graceful movements, rhythmic footwork, and expressive gestures. Rooted in ancient temple traditions, it weaves together stories of devotion and spirituality, particularly those of Lord Krishna. With its delicate balance of fluidity and form, Odissi captivates audiences by bringing to life the divine tales from Hindu epics, evoking a deep sense of cultural and spiritual connection.

Emerging from the temples of Odisha, Odissi is one of the most ancient classical dances of India, with roots tracing back over 2,000 years. Traditionally performed by temple dancers known as ‘Maharis,’ Odissi evolved as a form of worship to express devotion to Hindu gods, especially Lord Jagannath and Lord Krishna. With centuries of refinement, Odissi has retained its essence of spirituality, enchanting audiences with its lyrical storytelling and divine themes drawn from ancient Hindu scriptures

Location Information of Odissi Dance:

Odissi originated in the eastern state of Odisha, India, particularly in the ancient temples of Puri, Bhubaneswar, and Konark. These cities are rich in cultural heritage and serve as the primary centers for learning and performing Odissi dance.

Puri Jagannath Temple:
Address: Grand Road, Puri, Odisha 752001
District: Puri

Konark Sun Temple:
Address: Konark, Odisha 752111
District: Puri

Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar:
Address: Old Town, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751002
District: Khordha

Climate/Weather in Odissi Dance:

Summer - March to May

Average Maximum Temperature - 40° C

Average Minimum Temperature - 27° C

Average Precipitation - 20 mm

Monsoon - June to October

Average Maximum Temperature - 30° C

Average Minimum Temperature - 24° C

Average Precipitation - 350 mm

Winter - November to February

Average Maximum Temperature - 25° C

Average Minimum Temperature - 15° C

Average Precipitation - 15 mm

History of Odissi Dance:

Odissi is considered one of the most ancient classical dance forms of India, with a history spanning over 2,000 years. The roots of Odissi can be traced back to the temples of Odisha, where it was performed as a ritualistic dance by temple dancers known as 'Maharis' to honor deities, primarily Lord Jagannath, the presiding deity of Puri. The dance was an integral part of religious ceremonies and temple festivals.

During the reign of the Kalinga dynasty, Odissi thrived as an expressive dance form and was systematized according to the principles laid out in ancient scriptures such as the "Natya Shastra." Sculptures and carvings on the walls of Odisha’s temples, like the Sun Temple at Konark and the Jagannath Temple at Puri, depict various poses and movements of Odissi, proving its historical significance and continuity.

The dance suffered a major decline during the British colonial era, when many traditional art forms were suppressed and the temple-based performance culture diminished. However, in the mid-20th century, efforts to revive Odissi began, led by pioneers like Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, Pankaj Charan Das, and others, who redefined and reconstructed the dance form for stage performances.

With its intricate hand gestures (mudras), expressive facial expressions (bhavas), and graceful movements, Odissi has regained its stature and is now performed worldwide. The revival of this art form brought it into the limelight, where it is appreciated for its spiritual narrative and the cultural heritage it represents.

Languages in Odissi Dance:

Ganjami Oriya (Most Preferred Language)
Odiya
Hindi
Sanskrit
English

Three Primary Dance Spaces in Odissi:

Chauka: The foundational square stance in Odissi, symbolizing stability and Lord Jagannath. This posture emphasizes symmetry and strength in the dancer's movements.
Tribhangi: A distinctive posture in Odissi characterized by three bends of the body (neck, torso, and knee). It adds grace and fluidity to the dance, portraying feminine beauty and sensuality.
Natya Mandapa: The performance space or stage, traditionally within temples, where Odissi is performed. The sacred dance is often accompanied by devotional songs and instruments in this space.

Some of the Renowned Odissi Dancers:

Guru Pankaj Charan Das
Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra
Late Deba Prasad Das
Late Sanjukta Panigrahi
Kumkum Mohanty
Aruna Mohanty
Ratikant Mohapatra
Sujata Mohapatra
Sharmila Biswas
Meera Das
Madhavi Mudgal
Illeana Citaristi

How to Reach Odissi Dance Locations:

By Air: The nearest airport is the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, which is well-connected to major cities in India and a few international destinations. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Puri (60 km) or Konark (65 km).
By Train: Bhubaneswar and Puri have well-connected railway stations that are linked to major cities in India. Puri Railway Station is closest to the Jagannath Temple, a major hub for Odissi performances.
By Road: Odisha has an extensive road network. Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Konark are well-connected by National Highways. Regular buses and taxis operate between these cities, making it convenient for travelers.
Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws, taxis, and buses are available for commuting within the cities of Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Konark, where you can visit temples and cultural centers showcasing Odissi Dance.

Nearest Visiting Places from Odissi Dance Locations:

Jagannath Temple (Puri): One of the most revered temples in India, dedicated to Lord Jagannath, and a center for Odissi Dance performances.
Konark Sun Temple (Konark): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its intricate carvings and sculptures that depict dance postures related to Odissi.
Lingaraj Temple (Bhubaneswar): An ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Bhubaneswar, where Odissi Dance is often performed during religious festivals.
Chilika Lake: The largest coastal lagoon in India, located near Puri. It is a serene spot to visit for nature lovers and bird watchers.
Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves (Bhubaneswar): Historic Jain caves that showcase ancient rock-cut architecture and carvings, near Bhubaneswar.
Dhauli Shanti Stupa: A famous Buddhist peace pagoda located on Dhauli Hill, near Bhubaneswar, symbolizing peace and tranquility.
Raghurajpur Heritage Village: A cultural village near Puri, known for its traditional Pattachitra painting and being home to many Odissi dancers and artisans.

Nearest Petrol Pump near Odissi Dance Locations:

Indian Oil Petrol Pump - Puri: Located on Grand Road, Puri, near the Jagannath Temple, this petrol pump is easily accessible for visitors exploring Puri and nearby areas.
Bharat Petroleum Petrol Pump - Konark: Situated on the Puri-Konark Marine Drive, this petrol pump serves visitors traveling between Konark and Puri.
Indian Oil Petrol Pump - Bhubaneswar: Near Kalpana Square, Bhubaneswar, this is a major fuel station close to tourist attractions like the Lingaraj Temple and Udayagiri Caves.
HP Petrol Pump - Chandrabhaga Beach (Near Konark): Located near Chandrabhaga Beach, this pump is convenient for those visiting the Konark Sun Temple and surrounding areas.
Bharat Petroleum Petrol Pump - Pipili: Located on the Bhubaneswar-Puri highway, this station is ideal for travelers driving between Bhubaneswar and Puri.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation near Odissi Dance Locations:

Mayfair Waves (Puri): A luxury beachfront hotel offering comfortable rooms, excellent amenities, and a great location near Jagannath Temple and Puri Beach.
Hans Coco Palms (Puri): A heritage hotel near Puri Beach, providing serene surroundings and easy access to the Jagannath Temple and local attractions.
Lotus Eco Resort (Konark): An eco-friendly resort located close to the Sun Temple and Chandrabhaga Beach, offering unique cottages and nature-friendly accommodations.
Swosti Premium (Bhubaneswar): A five-star hotel in Bhubaneswar, perfect for luxury stays near major attractions like Lingaraj Temple and Udayagiri Caves.
Hotel Toshali Sands (Puri-Konark Road): A resort with well-appointed cottages, close to both Puri and Konark, ideal for travelers exploring the cultural and natural beauty of the region.
Hotel Sandy's Tower (Bhubaneswar): A popular hotel in Bhubaneswar offering modern amenities and proximity to cultural sites such as Dhauli Shanti Stupa and Khandagiri Caves.
Panthanivas (OTDC Guest Houses): Government-run guest houses in Puri, Konark, and Bhubaneswar offering affordable accommodations with basic amenities, ideal for budget travelers.

Things to Carry near Odissi Dance Locations:

Comfortable Footwear: You’ll likely be walking or standing for long periods during visits to temples and dance performances, so comfortable shoes are essential.
Light Cotton Clothes: The climate in Odisha can be warm and humid, so breathable, light-colored cotton clothing is recommended, especially during summer and monsoon seasons.
Sun Protection: Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the strong sun, especially if you're visiting during the day.
Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is important, especially during long walks or outdoor performances in warm weather.
Camera/Phone: Odissi performances and temple surroundings offer beautiful photographic opportunities, so carrying a camera or phone is a must.
Umbrella or Raincoat: If you’re visiting during the monsoon season (June to October), carrying an umbrella or raincoat will help you stay dry during sudden rain showers.
Temple Etiquette Items: Many temples require visitors to remove footwear, so it’s helpful to carry socks or slip-on shoes. It’s also respectful to carry a scarf or shawl for women to cover their heads in certain temple areas.
Small First Aid Kit: A basic kit with band-aids, antiseptic cream, and medicines for headaches or minor discomforts can be useful during travels.

Tips & Suggestions in Odissi Dance Locations:

Respect Local Culture: Odissi Dance is deeply rooted in spiritual traditions. When attending performances, dress modestly, especially if they are held in temples or sacred spaces.
Plan Around Festivals: Odissi performances are often scheduled around religious festivals like the Rath Yatra in Puri. Planning your visit during these times will give you a richer cultural experience.
Arrive Early for Performances: Odissi performances can draw large crowds, especially in temple settings. Arriving early ensures you get a good view of the dance.
Learn Basic Etiquette: If attending an Odissi performance in a temple, remember to remove your shoes before entering the temple premises and refrain from making noise during the dance.
Engage with Locals: Odisha’s locals are proud of their culture and heritage. Don’t hesitate to ask them about the history of the dance, temples, or local festivals to deepen your understanding of the culture.
Support Local Artisans: When visiting cultural villages like Raghurajpur, purchase locally made crafts, as these villages are home to both Odissi dancers and artisans creating traditional art.
Respect Photography Rules: Some temples and dance performances may have restrictions on photography or video recording, so ensure you follow the guidelines provided at each location.
Stay Hydrated and Comfortable: Odisha’s warm climate can make outdoor events physically demanding, so stay hydrated and wear comfortable clothing and footwear during your visit.