Odissi by Sujata Mohapatra

Invis Multimedia presents Odissi performance by Sujata Mohapatra. The dances featured are Mangalacharan (Ganesha Vandana), abhinaya and Pallavi. Through these selected compositions in this video, experience the lyrical and aesthetic excellence of Odissi to the fullest. Sujata Mohapatra, the celebrated disciple of the legendary Kelucharan Mohapatra, introduces you to the immortal charm of Odissi.

Odissi is the classical dance form which originated in Orissa, an Eastern state in India, can be traced back to the first century B.C. This enchanting classical dance form of Orissa traces its origin to the temple dances of the Devadasis (temple dancers). This Classical dance diligently portrays the aesthetic charm of Natya and the brilliance of Nritta .The feature that makes this dance form unique from other classical dances of India is Tribhangi. This is the posture the dancer attains when the body bends in three parts – head, bust and torso. Another characteristic worth mentioning is the shifting of torso from side to side. The theme of Odissi revolves around the divine tales of Radha and Krishna. Most of the Odissi recital consists of Ashtapadi from Jayadeva’s ‘Geeta Govinda’, which is replete with elements of love and devotion. Odissi which serves as the ideal medium for their expression is truly a soft, lyrical, classical dance.

Sujata Mohapatra

Sujata Mohapatra is one of the famous Odissi dancers of India. She is the disciple and daughter -in- law of Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra. Her passion for the dance goes beyond just performance and is evident from her association with Srjan a premier institute for Odissi dance in India. Her dancing prowess has been acknowledged with prestigious awards like Pandit Jasraj Award, Smt. Sanjukta Panigrahi Award and Mahari Award.

Compositions

Mangalacharan (Ganesha Vandana):- This marks the Odissi dancer’s entry on the stage, as she invokes the blessings of Lord Jagannath for an auspicious beginning. This is followed by a salutation to Mother Earth, to the Teacher, to the Accompanist and to the Audience. The dancer then prays to Lord Ganesh, remover of all obstacles, for his blessing.

Abhinaya :- Composed by the great Oriya poet Banamali, depicts different engrossing episodes of ‘Krishna Leela’ (Krishna’s adorable mischief). The episodes include ‘Bakasura’, ‘Shakatasura’, ‘Kaliyadamana’ and ends with ‘Viswarupa’- when little Krishna opens his mouth to reveal the entire universe, Yasoda, his mother, astounded by her son’s divinity, forgets to chide him for his mischief.

Pallavi ;- Pallavi means elaboration and is applicable to not only the dance but the accompanying music as well. Pallavi is marked by elegant and lyrical movements, distinct in exceptionally intricate and interwoven rhythmic patterns of beauty, emphasising on pure dance.