This article sheds light on the Gotipua Dance tradition in Odisha through Sradhananda and Gadadhar Behera international performers. 

About Gotipua Dance

• Gotipua is a traditional boys-only dance form from Odisha.
  • In the Odisha language, “Goti” means “single” and “Pua” means “boy”.
• Origin: It originated in the 16th century as a precursor to the classical Odissi dance.
• In this dance form, Boys are trained in singing, dancing, yoga, and acrobatics within gurukuls or akhadas.
  • They dress as girls to perform at festivals and religious ceremonies.
  • Costume: Kanchula (bright blouse) and embroidered silk cloth (nibibandha) around the waist.
• Repertoire includes Vandana (prayer to God, or a guru), Abhinaya (the enactment of a song) and Bandha Nritya (rhythms of acrobatic postures). 
  • Performers praise God Jagannath and Krishna.
    • The dance features acrobatic yogic movements which are inspired by the lives of Radha and Krishna.
• Location: Raghurajpur, near Puri, is famous for Gotipua troupes. 
  • The dance is accompanied by traditional Odissi music with Mardala percussion.

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Decline of the Gotipua Tradition

• Disruption to Education: The rigorous training for Gotipua dance often disrupts the boys’ formal education, leading to a lack of necessary skills for other careers after their dancing days are over.
• Limited Transition to Odissi: Only a few Gotipua dancers move on to Odissi.
  • Odissi is a classical dance form that is more prevalent in cities and primarily performed by women.

Government and Cultural Support

• The Odisha government has implemented the Cultural Troupe Management System (CTMS) to assist dance groups with travel and performance-related expenses.
• Advocacy: The Gotipua Sangha is working to increase awareness and secure government support to address challenges faced by Gotipua dancers, including legal issues under the Juvenile Justice Act.
• Financial Aid: The Mukhyamantri Kalakar Sahayata Yojana (MKSY) offers pensions starting at age 50.  

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