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- Gotipua dance is a traditional dance form in Odisha, inspired by the life of Radha and Krishna.
- It is performed by a group of boys, who dress as women, to praise Lord Jagannath and Lord Krishna.
- The dance is characterized by acrobatic figures and intricate costumes, including the traditional “Kanchula” blouse and “Nibibandha” apron.
History of Gotipua Dance
- The dance was originated in ancient times, when female dancers called “Devadasi or Mahari” performed in temples of Orissa.
- With the decline of Mahari dancers, boy dancers emerged in the 16th century to carry forward the tradition.
- It is documented in ancient texts like “Abhinaya Chandrika“, which provides a detailed study of Odissi dance movements.
Challenges
- Gotipua child artistes face an uncertain future as they grow older and their roles evolve.
- The dance form struggles to survive due to various challenges, including the transition of child artistes to adulthood.
