Hare Krishna Behera

🪔 About

Guru Hare Krishna Behera was a renowned Indian classical dance exponent, primarily known for his significant contributions to Odissi dance. Born in 1938 in the village of Buanl, Balasore district, Odisha, he was drawn to dance from a young age. His initial training encompassed Gotipua and Mahari styles of Odissi under gurus like Shri Ramhari Behera, Shri Shriram Chandra Dey, and Shri Ramchandra Mahapatra. He also learned Champu, Chhanda Tabla, and contemporary dances such as Bhajan and Chhota Khayal. Behera moved to Balasore in 1952, joining Nrutya Sangeet Kala Mandir as a dance teacher. In 1957, he furthered his Odissi studies at Kala Vikash Kendra, Cuttack, under the tutelage of eminent masters including Guru Keli Charan Mahapatra. His quest for knowledge led him to Delhi in 1964, where he received a scholarship to learn Kathak from Pandit Birju Maharaj at Kathak Kendra. Concurrently, he studied Pakhawaj under Shri Purushottam Das and Thumri singing under Smt. Sidheswari Devi. He is credited as a pioneer in propagating Odissi outside Odisha, particularly in Delhi. In 1964, he established 'Nritya Niketan', considered the first Odissi school in Delhi. Later, in 1976, he founded his own institution, 'Odissi Kendra', which was formally registered in 1981, dedicated to teaching and promoting Odissi. Guru Behera also taught at prominent institutions like Gandharva Mahavidyalaya (1971-1979) and Sri Rama Bharatiya Kala Kendra (1974). He traveled extensively, conducting workshops and imparting training in Odissi across the former USSR, USA, UK, Japan, and many other countries. He also established the Guru Harekrushna Behera College of Art and Culture in his native village. He passed away in New Delhi on June 24, 2012. Awards & Honours: All India Critics Association Award (1981), Orissa Sangeet Natak Academy Award (1983), Sahitya Kala Parishad Award (1990), Vandana Arts' (Nritamani Award) (1991), International Development (1999), Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2003), Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Award.