Thousands of devotees flock to Puri every year to attend the Jagannath Rath Yatra. The centuries-old chariot procession is not only a religious ritual but also a showcase of how the Jagannath consciousness has long enriched the cultural heritage of Odisha. We look at how the Gotipua dance performance forms such an integral part of the festivities.
The annual Jagannath Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival) in Puri, Odisha, is widely recognised as the oldest chariot procession of its kind, and has led to similar processions being organised both across India as well as internationally. Jagannath consciousness has long enriched the cultural heritage of Odisha—in terms of its art, architecture, literature, music and dance. And this influence is reflected in the artistic offerings that form a part of this ritualistic procession, as devotees offer their
seva (services) through performing arts, such as
telengi baja (rhythmic beating of gongs),
banati khela (acrobatics),
nagarakirtan (public singing and dancing). One of the oldest in the list is the traditional dance of Gotipua.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-0wSb4Hx9k
