74+
Years of Experience
2+
Students Taught
1
Followers
About
Guru Harekrushna Behera, a distinguished Indian classical dance figure, was born in 1931 in Buani village, Balasore District, Orissa (now Odisha). His early fascination with dance led him to join 'akhada' parties at the age of six. He received his initial training in Odissi, specifically the Gotipua and Mahari styles, from gurus Shri Ramhari Behera, Shri…
Journey Timeline
1931
Born — Born in Buani village, Balasore District, Orissa (now Odisha).
c. 1937
Joined 'akhada' parties — Began his association with dance at a young age.
1952
Began teaching — Joined Nrutya Sangeet Kala Mandir in Balasore as a dance teacher.
1957
Further Odissi studies — Joined Kala Vikash Kendra to study Odissi under Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra and Guru Mayadhar Raut.
Early 1960s
Moved to New Delhi — Pioneered the propagation of Odissi in the capital and established Nritya Niketan.
1964
Received scholarships for diverse training — Learned Kathak from Pandit Birju Maharaj, Pakhawaj from Shri Purushottam Das, and Thumri from Smt Sidheswari Devi.
1971-1979
Taught at Gandharva Mahavidyalaya
1976
Founded Odissi Kendra — Established his own institution in New Delhi.
1981
Odissi Kendra formally registered
1981
Received All India Critic's Award
1983
Received Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
2003
Received Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
2012
Passed away — Died on June 24, 2012, in New Delhi.
Photo Gallery
Photos will appear here.
Video Library
Performance videos will appear here.
Signature Performances
Signature repertoire pieces will be showcased here.
Performance Map
A world map of performances will appear here as tours are recorded.
Awards & Honors
- 1981 · All India Critic's Award
- 1983 · Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
- 2003 · Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
- Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Award
Media Coverage
- Guru Harekrishna Behera no more
The New Indian Express
- The man and his mission
The Hindu
- Odissi guru Hare Krushna Behera passes away
The Times of India
Dance School
Testimonials
Student & peer testimonials will appear here.
Upcoming Workshops
No workshops scheduled yet.
Compiled from public sources and/or self-reported by the artist — not independently verified by NatyaNetwork. Is this you? Claim this profile to manage or correct it. See our Terms.