Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India – : IIT Roorkee, in collaboration with SPIC MACAY (Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth), successfully hosted an enchanting evening dedicated to the Gotipua dance, a traditional and revered dance form from Odisha. The event was held at the MAC Auditorium and witnessed a remarkable turnout, reflecting the community’s enthusiasm for preserving and celebrating India’s rich cultural heritage.
The evening commenced with the traditional Deepshikha Lighting Ceremony, symbolizing an auspicious beginning. The ceremonial lamp was lit to invoke the blessings of Goddess Saraswati, setting a positive tone for the event.
The highlight of the event was the mesmerizing performance by the Gotipua dancers from the Dasabhuja Gotipua Odishi Nrutya Parisad, under the expert guidance of Guru Maguni Das. The young dancers, adorned in vibrant attire, captivated the audience with their intricate acrobatic figures and graceful movements, portraying scenes inspired by the divine love of Radha and Krishna. Their dedication to the art form was evident as they brought to life the rich traditions and cultural legacy of Odisha.
The performance was further enhanced by the soulful music provided by an ensemble of talented musicians, including Batakrishna Das on Mardala, Priyabrata Palai on Vocal and Harmonium, Chandan Sethi on Violin, DeenDayal Mohanta on Flute, and Bidyadhar Nayak on Majira. Together, they created an immersive experience that resonated deeply with the audience.
A special Q&A session followed the performance, allowing attendees to interact with the artists and gain deeper insights into the Gotipua dance form. The session provided a platform for meaningful exchange, enhancing the understanding and appreciation of this ancient art.
The event concluded with the presentation of mementos to the artists and distinguished guests, in recognition of their contribution to this cultural celebration. The audience left with a renewed sense of pride and a deeper connection to India’s diverse cultural heritage.
Talking of his experience Guru Maguni Das, Gotipua Dance Artist said, “Performing at IIT Roorkee has been an incredible experience. Sharing the ancient art of Gotipua with such an enthusiastic audience not only allows us to preserve this tradition but also helps us connect with the younger generation. We hope that through our performance, the students gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural heritage of Odisha and the timeless beauty of Indian classical dance.”
IIT Roorkee is deeply committed to fostering cultural awareness among our students. Events like the Gotipua dance performance enrich our campus by bringing the diverse artistic traditions of India to life. Such experiences are vital in connecting the youth with our country’s rich cultural heritage, and we are proud to host them.” – said Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee
