Odissi

Classical dance from Odisha; one of India's oldest; known for sculpturesque poses and grace

Odisha, India 🇮🇳 200 BC Classical Dance

Key Facts

1
Originated in Odisha temples; performed by Maharis (temple dancers); described in Natya Shastra
2
Characterised by tribhangi (three bends: head, torso, hip) posture — fluid and lyrical
3
Revived in 1950s by Guru Pankaj Charan Das and Kelucharan Mohapatra; UNESCO listed in 2010

🎨 Did you know? Odissi poses are preserved in the stone carvings of Udayagiri caves and the Sun Temple of Konark — living proof of its 2,000-year history

Odissi

Key Facts

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