Birabar Sahoo

🪔 About

Born in 1930 in Indolakusiari village, Khurda district, Odisha, Guru Birabar Sahoo was a legendary figure in Indian classical dance, specifically renowned for his mastery and preservation of the Gotipua dance form. He began his training at the tender age of five, learning under the tutelage of esteemed gurus such as Arjuna Panda and Bauribandhu Pal. Beyond dance, he also acquired proficiency in traditional songs and the Mardala, a significant percussion instrument in Odishan music. Sahoo dedicated his life to the promotion and development of Gotipua, an ancient dance form where young boys masquerade as women to perform devotional dances. He was instrumental in giving a new identity to Gotipua through his eight-decade-long association with the art. As one of the seniormost teachers of Gotipua, he imparted his knowledge and skill to numerous students at the Konark Natya Mandap for many years. His commitment to the art form was further demonstrated through a special training program in Gotipua dance and music, which he conducted from 2000 to 2005 with the support of the Sangeet Natak Akademi. He also led several dance workshops, contributing significantly to the dissemination of this unique tradition. Guru Birabar Sahoo's profound contributions were recognized with several prestigious accolades. He received the Orissa Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1997, followed by the Utkal Atma award from the Ori-French Cultural Organization in 2006. In 2008, he was honored with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for his exceptional service in the development of Gotipua dance and music. He was also a recipient of the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Award in 2012. His legacy lives on through his many disciples, some of whom have become established teachers of Odissi dance, performing at major dance festivals globally. Guru Birabar Sahoo passed away on October 29, 2019, leaving behind an invaluable contribution to India's cultural heritage. Awards & Honours: Orissa Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1997), Utkal Atma (2006), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2008), Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Award (2012).