Gotipua Dance and Its Decline in Odisha

Historical Background: The Gotipua dance tradition began in Odisha during the 16th century under the patronage of Bhoi king Rama Chandra Dev. In the Oriya language, “Goti” means single and “Pua” means boy. This dance form was developed as a male counterpart to the Mahari tradition, which involved ritualistic dances performed by Devadasis at the Jagannatha temple in Puri. As the Mahari tradition declined, Gotipua dance gained prominence and is considered a forerunner of the Odissi dance style.

Dance Style: Gotipua dancers, who are young boys dressed as girls, perform intricate movements and sing while dancing. The style is characterized by two main postures: Tribhangi, which involves three bends at the head, torso, and knees, and Chouka, a square-like stance that represents Lord Jagannath. The dancers’ upper body movements are said to resemble the waves along the Odisha coastline.

Training and Performance: Training for Gotipua dancers is rigorous, involving extensive practice in singing, dancing, yoga, and acrobatics. The boys maintain long hair, adorn themselves with flower garlands, and use white and red powders for makeup. The dance is traditionally performed in honor of Lord Jagannath and Lord Krishna. Typically, dancers retire upon reaching puberty due to challenges in maintaining the necessary flexibility and the feminine character required for the dance.

Cultural Significance: The Gotipua dance is richly depicted in the sculptures of the Konark Sun Temple and the Puri Jagannath Temple, reflecting its historical importance. Despite its cultural significance, participation in this dance form is declining, posing a challenge to its preservation.