Odissi, the essence of Orissa (a state in Eastern India), is the highly inspired, impassioned, ecstatic and sensuous form of dance.

Odissi was performed in the temples of Orissa as a religious offering by the 'Devadasis' known as 'Maharis'. Maharis or Devadasis were as seductive as rich in their qualities of the heart and the head.

The institution of the Maharis was highly evolved and sanctioned by the society. Epitome of female beauty and grace , endowed with great skills in dance and music, they were really terrestrial nymphs and apsaras.

Odissi is a soft lyrical classical dance, which depicts the ambience of Orissa and the philosophy of its most popular deity, Lord Jagannath. At the sensuous, Odissi has ability to portray erotic sentiments in a deeply reverential manner.

Accompaniments and costume

The accompanying music is pure and classical with the grace of both hindustani and carnatic systems. The instruments traditionally used are dholak (drums), flute and small cymbals.

The dancers adorn themselves with the traditional silver jewellery which includes head, ear, neck, hands, fingers, waist ornaments. The dancer wears a stitched costume which has five pieces including the angrakha, blouse and pyjama. This costume is stitched out of a saree and generally has Orissa print on it which looks ethnic and beautiful.

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