Dances of Orissa

Danda Nata

Danda Nata of Orissa, also known as the ‘Danda Jatra’ , it happens to be one amongst the most ancient form of histrionic arts of the state. Associated with ritualistic services, Danda Nata forms an institution of dance, music and dramatics blended with religions, social reformation and an association of Universal Brotherhood.

Mainly an worship of Lord Shiva, the God of destruction of the Hindu mythology, who is also the Lord of histrionic arts (Nata Raj), this theatrical form brings into its fold a harmonious feeling of co-existence between followers of different philosophical doctrines, between political principles and set of opinions.

Along with votive dedications to Lord Shiva ( Rudra, Hara, Mahadeva, Shankar, Bholanath etc ) in a Danda Nata, the greatness of other Gods and Goddesses such as Vishnu, Krishna Ganesh, Durga, Kali etc. are also equally invoked.

Similarly while the original participants in a Danda Nata were said to be only the low-caste Hindus people, however people belonging to all other higher castes such as Kshyatriyas and Brahmins also participate in this institution with equal interest.

Animal Mask Dance
Changu Dance
Chaiti Ghoda Dance
Danda Nata Dance
Dasakathia Dance
Dalkhai Dance
Dhanu Jatra Dance
Ghanta Patua
Ghoomra Dance
Jhoomar Dance
Karma Dance
Kela Keluni Dance
Kedu Dance
Krishna Leela
Medha Nacha
Naga Dance
Odissi Dance
Patua Jatra Dance
Pala Dance
Paika Nrutya Dance
Ram Leela
Ranappa Dance
Samprada Dance
Tribal Dances

Animal Mask Dance

Animal Mask Dances are prevalent in village of south Orissa specially in the district of Ganjam. Particularly during Thankurani Yatra, when the idols are taken out on the streets, the animal mask dancers go on dancing before the procession.

During the marriage ceremonies also they lead the bridegroom’s procession all the way to the bride’s house. The three animal mask dances typical of the area are the tiger, bull and horse dances. Two persons get into cane frame and conceal themselves within it. Their legs become the legs of the animals they are representing.

Tourism in Orissa

The places of tourist importance can broadly be classified into three groups - international, national and provincial. Apart from places of tourist interest, many festivals also attracts people from distant areas.

Among places of international repute, the Sun Temple at Konark is the most important. It is better known as the ‘Black Pagoda’. Its architectural beauty ranks with the best in the country. This temple, built on the Puri coast, was dedicated to Surya. It is built of black granite, and the sculpture marks the climax of Hindu architecture. Konark is linked by all weather roads to Bhubaneswar and Puri. An air strip is planned to be opened shortly.

Puri, famous for the temple of Lord Jagannath, is one of the four ‘dhams’ of the Hindus along with Varanasi, Dwarka and Rameshwaram. The temple of Lord Jagannath is a colossal one. The Puri coast, is shallow and offers excellent bathing facilities. Puri also has one of the best natural beaches in the country as far as scenic beauty and bathing facilities are concerned. Since the town is a religious place and a sea resort, it attracts devotees and fun-seekers alike. Puri is also famous for its car festival.

Bhubaneswar, the capital, known as the cathedral city of India, is the symbol of modernity. The Lingaraj temple, the Jain and the Buddhist caves at Khandgiri and Udayagri, the Ashokan inscription and the Shanti Stupa at Dhauli have made Bhubaneswar an important tourist centre. The ruins of the fort of Sisupal of Mahabharata fame can be seen on the outskirts of the city which is justly famous as the ‘city of temples’.

The ‘Nandan Kenam’, the Zoological park is the greatest attraction for children and grown-up alike. It is the only centre where white tigers breed in natural setting. It’s lion safari, boating facilities, rope ways, toy railways are some of the unique facilities provided in natural setting. All these three places are linked by an excellent rail and road network and form a ‘Golden Triangle’ from the tourist point of view.