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Bhubaneswar, Dec 1: Performed in the backdrop of the majestic Sun Temple in Konark, two ancient forms of Orissa – Mahari and Gotipua –will enthrall visitors to the annual five-day Konark Festival which commenced Monday.
The five-day cultural extravaganza beginning from Monday will culminate December 5. While Gotipua will be performed on the second day of the festival, Mahari dance form will be presented on the fourth day.
These two dance forms originated from the temples of Orissa. Mahari is a ritualistic dance form that was performed at the temple of Lord Jagannath at Puri by Devadasi dancers called Maharanis. The Mahari dance form spurred the development of both Odissi and Gotipua dance forms of Orissa.
Mahari exponent Rupashree Mohapatra is responsible for bringing alive the charm of this ancient dance form on stage. “We’re fortunate to have dance maestro Rupashree Mohapatra amongst us. She along with her team of 17 dancers are busy rehearsing for over eight hours a day and are determined to put up a good show at the festival,” said culture secretary Aravind Kumar Padhee.
Gotipua is a traditional dance which has been performed in Orissa for centuries by young boys who dress as women. The dance is a form of prayer to Lord Jagannath and Krishna.
“As Odissi dance originated from Gotipua and Mahari dances, we have decided to present these two dance forms in the festival. With the recommendations of the selection committee, we have included Gotipua and Mahari dances in the Konark Festival,” said Dr Padhee.
The first day of the festival was inaugurated by culture minister Ashok Panda.
Students of Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre and Utkal University of Culture performed Odissi dance on the first day of the festival. Veteran Kathak danseuse Padma Shri Shovana Narayan also presented a Kathak performance on the day.
Besides, other classical dance forms like Kuchipudi, Sattriya classical dance of Assam, and Bharatanatyam would be presented by several eminent performing artistes during the five-day festival. “The Indian Council of Cultural Relations (IICR) has also agreed to feature a Bhutan traditional dance performance December 5, which will help to enhance the relationship between India and Bhutan in the cultural field,” added Padhee.
