Odissi is one of India's oldest surviving classical dance forms, originating over 2,000 years. It emerged as a devotional dance performed in the temples of Odisha, particularly at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, where it was offered as a sacred ritual to Lord Jagannath. The dance was traditionally performed by Maharis, the female temple dancers, as an act of spiritual devotion, blending bhakti (devotion), movement, and music into a divine expression of art.
The foundation of Odissi is rooted in the ancient text Natya Shastra, written by Bharata Muni, which describes the principles of classical dance and drama. Odissi is known for its distinctive tribhangi (three-bend posture), fluid torso movements, intricate footwork, and expressive abhinaya (facial expressions) that bring to life stories from Hindu mythology, especially from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the compositions of Jayadeva, such as the Gita Govinda.
With the decline of temple traditions and the arrival of colonial rule in India, Odissi suffered a period of suppression like many other classical art forms. The dance was pushed out of temples and into obscurity. However, in the mid-20th century, a group of dedicated scholars, gurus, and dancers worked to revive and reconstruct Odissi from temple sculptures, ancient texts, and the remaining traditions of Gotipua dancers (young boys dressed as female dancers who preserved elements of the form).
Pioneers such as Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, Guru Pankaj Charan Das, Guru Deba Prasad Das, and Guru Mayadhar Raut played a crucial role in shaping Odissi into the concert stage art form it is today. They redefined its technique, structured its repertoire, and ensured its recognition as one of India's eight classical dance forms.
Odissi has gained global recognition in contemporary times, with practitioners and enthusiasts worldwide. It continues to evolve, blending traditional aesthetics with modern interpretations while staying true to its spiritual essence. Whether performed as a solo, duet, or group presentation, Odissi remains a powerful medium of storytelling, devotion, and artistic expression, captivating audiences with grace, rhythm, and emotive depth
The foundation of Odissi is rooted in the ancient text Natya Shastra, written by Bharata Muni, which describes the principles of classical dance and drama. Odissi is known for its distinctive tribhangi (three-bend posture), fluid torso movements, intricate footwork, and expressive abhinaya (facial expressions) that bring to life stories from Hindu mythology, especially from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the compositions of Jayadeva, such as the Gita Govinda.
With the decline of temple traditions and the arrival of colonial rule in India, Odissi suffered a period of suppression like many other classical art forms. The dance was pushed out of temples and into obscurity. However, in the mid-20th century, a group of dedicated scholars, gurus, and dancers worked to revive and reconstruct Odissi from temple sculptures, ancient texts, and the remaining traditions of Gotipua dancers (young boys dressed as female dancers who preserved elements of the form).
Pioneers such as Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, Guru Pankaj Charan Das, Guru Deba Prasad Das, and Guru Mayadhar Raut played a crucial role in shaping Odissi into the concert stage art form it is today. They redefined its technique, structured its repertoire, and ensured its recognition as one of India's eight classical dance forms.
Odissi has gained global recognition in contemporary times, with practitioners and enthusiasts worldwide. It continues to evolve, blending traditional aesthetics with modern interpretations while staying true to its spiritual essence. Whether performed as a solo, duet, or group presentation, Odissi remains a powerful medium of storytelling, devotion, and artistic expression, captivating audiences with grace, rhythm, and emotive depth
PC: Debojyoti Dhar
