Odisha is an Eastern state in India, which has a great cultural background especially when it comes to its dance forms. Let us take a look at the best dance forms from this state.
Odissi:
Odissi is one of the ancient Indian classical dance forms that has its roots in the Natya shastra and Hindu temples. Dancers perform on a spiritual message, devotional story or a poem, especially the ones relating to Lord Jagannath, apart from Lord Shiva, Shakti and The Sun God or Surya. Odissi dance has two dance styles one which is performed by women and the other which is performed by boys dressed as girls.
Danda Nata:
This is one off the most popular form of folk dances performed in the Ganjam District of Odisha only by men. This form of dance is very different from the other ones, this dance festival is held in the month of Chaitra (one of the months in Hindi calendar) the persons who perform are called Bhoktas or Danduas. The devotees worship Goddess Kali and Lord Shiva during the period of penance. This dance form is believed to be a part of ancient Chaitra Yatra festival.
Chhau Dance:
This dance form is semi classical and is a mixture of martial, tribal and folk traditions. This dance form has three styles namely Purulia Chhau, Seraikella Chhau and Mayurbhanj Chhau. Chhau dancers enact stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata and other ancient Hindi texts. This dance form is performed by males.
Medha Nacha:
Performed mainly in the coastal areas of Odisha, in this dance form the person wears a mask. These masks are very large in size and are a replica of King, Queen and Devil. These masks are made up of paper pulp and are very attractive and colourful.
Changu Dance:
It is a form of regional tribal dance, in which women mainly perform while men sing and play the instruments.
Chaiti Ghoda:
This dance form is performed by people belonging to Kaibarta caste. During the festivities relating to the fishing community of Odisha this dance form is performed, and is also known as horse dance.
Karma Dance:
The people of Oraon and Gond tribes perform this dance during the Karma Puja in front of Karam tree which is a representation of the God of fate.
Like each flower has its own beauty each of these dance forms are unique and beautiful. The devotion and love that dancers put in when they are performing makes it even more beautiful and leaves the audience mesmerized.
