The folk dances of Odisha are truly stunning and captivating for both the eyes and the soul. Though sometimes not understood, the rhythmic foot-tapping music compels you to move along. The drumbeats, melodic songs, graceful body movements, distinctive poses, and simple steps create a mesmerizing dance experience.
Vibrant costumes adorned with colorful beads, silver ornaments, and charming headgear add a traditional rural flair. Every jangle and clang of these accessories accentuates the beauty of the sinuous movements, infusing a sense of freshness into the dance.
Sambalpuri Dance
Women and girls perform Dalkhai, Rasarkeli, and Jai Phula dances from Western Odisha. They start with lines like “Dalkhai bo,” “Rasarkeli bo,” or “Jai Phula bo,” about the dancer’s girlfriend. These dances happen in villages during festivals like Dussehra, Bhaijiuntia, Phagun Puni, and Nuakhai. “Rangabati” is a famous Sambalpuri song known worldwide.
Paika Dance
Paika dance is an energetic form performed only by young boys or men. It comes from eastern Odisha, derived from the Sanskrit word “Padatika” meaning infantry. This dance includes traditional exercises and is done with a sword and shield, accompanied by the dhol drum. Dressed as warriors called “Paikas,” performers act out battle scenes through dance. This folk art highlights the precise and agile execution of steps.
Chaitee Ghoda
The Kaibarta fishermen perform this folk dance in March-April, which is dedicated to their deity Vasuli Devi. Riding a beautifully decorated bamboo horse adorned with colorful cloth, beads, and bells, the dancer moves to the beat of the dhol and mahuri. They take a circuitous route through the village, and the villagers join the celebration.
Danda Nacha
During the scorching months of March and April, despite the intense heat wave, the Danda Nacha dance, a physically demanding religious dance, is celebrated enthusiastically across the state. Divided into Pani Danda (performed in water) and Dhuli Danda (performed on the ground), both are rigorous but carried out with utmost devotion.
This dance, dedicated to Goddess Kali, involves drums and cymbals and is exclusively performed by men. The Danda Nacha festivities occur in various areas of south Odisha, particularly in the Ganjam district.
Kela Kuleni Dance
The Kelas, a nomadic group earning a living by catching snakes, have a unique folk dance called Kela-Keluni. This humorous dance narrates the story of a Kela married to two Kelunis and depicts how he navigates life trying to please both wives. Typically, the Kela plays the ghuduki, a string instrument, during this performance. The late Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra and his wife, Laxmi Priya Devi, and Jayanti Ghosh, composed and performed the Kela-Keluni dance.
Chhau Nacha
Chhau originates from the Sanskrit word “chhaya,” meaning “shadow.” The captivating Mayurbhanja Chhau has gained global acclaim for its performances. This dance style portrays tales from mythology such as Ramayana and Mahabharata, along with folk and tribal elements. It predominantly embodies two emotions: the heroic Vira rasa and the fierce Rudra rasa. Musical accompaniments during the performance include instruments like the Mohuri, Chad-Chadi, Dhol, and Dhumsa.
Ranapa Nacha
The cowherd communities in South Odisha continue the tradition of dancing on Ranapa (stilts). Young men tie their feet to bamboo stilts, impressing the audience with synchronized steps to the beat of the Dhol and Mahuri music. The songs sung during this dance celebrate Lord Krishna and his thrilling childhood adventures.
Ghumra Nacha
Ghumra is a folk dance originating from Odisha’s Kalahandi district. Legend has it that the Ghumura instrument, resembling a pitcher-shaped drum, was created to defeat the demon king Mahisasur. It’s formed from a fusion of Lord Shiva’s dambaru and goddess Saraswati’s veena. During the dance, the drum is tied around the dancer’s neck. They play it while dancing to songs narrating tales from hunting to daily life’s joys and sorrows. Dancers perform intricate movements, jumps, and spins at a fast pace.
Santosh Kumar is a Professional SEO and Blogger, With the help of this blog he is trying to share top 10 lists, facts, entertainment news from India and all around the world.