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The classical dance form of Odissi has its roots in the Mahari dance while the Gotipua dance originated as an offshoot of the Mahari tradition when it went into decline in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.
Long ago, the temples in Orissa had female dancers known as devadasis (or mahari), who were devoted to Jagannath, which gave rise to Mahari dance. Sculptures of dancers on bas-reliefs in temples in Orissa (and the Konark Sun and Jagannath Temples in Puri) demonstrate this ancient tradition.
Sep 21, 2023 · 1. Mahari: The Mahari tradition of Odissi is associated with the temple dancers who historically performed in Odisha’s temples. This style emphasizes devotion and temple rituals. 2. Gotipua: Gotipua is a male-only form of Odissi, where young boys perform in female attire. This tradition has its roots in the Jagannath temple in Puri and ...
Aug 14, 2024 · The Gotipua dance, a centuries-old tradition from Odisha, India, is a mesmerizing form of folk dance performed by young boys dressed as females. Sculptures of dancers on bas-reliefs in temples in Orissa (like the Konark Sun and Jagannath Temples in Puri) demonstrate this ancient tradition. These boys, often starting their training at a tender ...
This chapter considers the links between contemporary Odissi dance and one of its antecedents, mahari naach, the dance of female ritual specialists associated with the Jagannath temple in Puri, a center of pilgrimage in Odisha, India.
Feb 17, 2022 · Over time, gotipuas took the place of devadasis and their Mahari dance in the temples. It is believed that Gotipua was reserved only for boys from impoverished backgrounds as it took care of their boarding and food requirements and also provided them with a source of livelihood.
Gotipua, the majestic folk dance of Orissa - India. In Oriya language, “Goti” means “single” and “Pua” means “boy”. For centuries, the Gotipua dance has been performed in Orissa by young boys who dress up as female to praise Lord Jagannath and Lord Krishna.
