The vibrant State-Level Gotipua Dance Festival began today at the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre in Bhubaneswar, showcasing the timeless beauty of Odisha’s traditional Gotipua dance.
Organised with the support of the Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department in collaboration with the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre, Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi, and Lokakala Sangha, the festival will run until September 1, 2025.
The event features 20 talented dance troupes from across Odisha, bringing to life the intricate movements and cultural significance of Gotipua, a traditional dance form deeply rooted in Odia heritage. The inaugural ceremony was attended by distinguished dance luminaries, including Aruna Mohanty, Ileana Citaristi, Guru Ramahari Das, Guru Gobinda Gopal, Dr. Chittaranjan Mallia, and noted vocalist Dr. Sangeeta Gosain. Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi Secretary Dr. Chandra Shekhar Hota, Deputy Director of Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department, and Administrative Officer of Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre, Smt. Suchismita Mantri officially inaugurated the festival.
Smt. Suchismita Mantri emphasised the cultural importance of the event, stating, “Gotipua is an inseparable part of Odia culture, deeply intertwined with our rich dance tradition. The organisation of this State-Level Gotipua Dance Festival not only nurtures emerging talent but also helps in preserving and popularising our traditional dance heritage.”
The festival’s first day featured a thought-provoking panel discussion on ‘Music and Performance in Gotipua,’ shedding light on the art form’s musical and performative elements. Seven esteemed dance troupes, including Chandrasekhar Gotipua Kala Sansad, Kailash Gotipua Nrutya Pratishthan, Maa Ashtabhuja Gotipua Kala Parishad, Murchhana Gotipua, Baba Gorekhanath Gotipua Dance Association, Maa Santoshi Gotipua, and Bankeswari Gotipua Nrutya Parishad, mesmerised the audience with their captivating performances.
The festival promises two more days of spectacular displays, celebrating Odisha’s cultural legacy and fostering the growth of young artists dedicated to preserving Gotipua. Visitors can expect a vibrant showcase of talent, tradition, and artistry at this remarkable event.
