Dance Forms of Odisha

Dance

Description

Animal Mask Dance/Bagha Nacha

It is mostly prevalent in the village of Southern Odisha, especially in Berhampur and Ganjam district. This form of dance is performed while the idols are taken out into the lanes, during the Thakurani Jatra. It is also performed in marriage.

Chaiti Ghoda Dance

This is horse dance performed in the month of Chaitra (March-April). This is mainly done in Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara and Khordha districts.

Changu Nata Dance

This dance is accompanied by tambourine which is mainly played by the male members of the Bhuiyan, Bathudi, Kharia, Juang, Mechi and Kondha tribes of Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Kandhamal, Dhenkanal, Ganjam, Koraput and Malkangiri districts of Odisha.

Danda Nata

It is ancient dance form popular in Boudh district. It was started by king of Boudh to popularise the worship of Lord Shiva against the rise of Buddhism.

Dhap Dance

It is performed by Kandha tribe of Kosal region in the districts of Sambalpur and Bargarh.

Kela Keluni Dance

In this dance, only two persons take part, a Kela(male) and Keluni(the female) . The Kela plays a string instrument Ghuduki which produces a peculiar sound. This dance is mainly performed in Nayagarh, Khordha and Cuttack district.

Medha Dance

It is performed in the districts of Cuttack, Puri and Jagatsinghpur. Dancers wear oversised masks of devil, kings and queens.

Naga Dance

It is influenced by tribal dance of Nagaland and mostly performed in Puri.