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Odissi Dance Tour

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:-