| About Us
Preserving the Rich Heritage of Gotipua
Gotipua Gurukul is dedicated to preserving and promoting Odisha’s rich Heritage Art & Culture. We provide training in the traditional Gotipua dance, an ancient art form that has inspired the world-famous Odissi dance.
Our Gurukul nurtures Odisha’s heritage art and crafts, including intricate Pattachitra paintings, stone carvings, and traditional textiles. We host workshops and exhibitions to help artisans showcase their skills.
Experience Odisha’s rich culture firsthand with our heritage home stays. Guests can enjoy traditional Odia cuisine, prepared with fresh, local ingredients, offering an authentic taste of the region.
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Training & Workshops
Learn Gotipua & Crafts -
Cultural Performances
Live Gotipua Shows -
Authentic Stay
Traditional Home Stays -
Guided Tours
Explore Odisha’s Heritage
Meet Our Visionary Founder
Guru Shri Laxman Maharana, an eminent exponent of the Gotipua dance form, has dedicated his life to preserving Odisha's cultural heritage. Discover his inspiring journey of passion, dedication, and cultural revival.
Early Life & Learning
Born in the heritage village of Raghurajpur, Guru Shri Laxman Maharana inherited the Gotipua dance legacy from his parents, Late Shri Jagannath Maharana and Shrimati Padma Maharana. He began his training at the tender age of 9, under his father’s guidance, performing across Odisha and perfecting the art form.
- Started training under his father’s troupe at age 9
- Performed extensively in traditional festivals and events
- Learned intricate footwork, acrobatics, and storytelling through dance
Spiritual Journey
As a devoted disciple of Jagadguru Thakur Shri Abhiram Paramhansa Deb, Guru Maharana embraced a life of dance, music, and spirituality. He annually leads his students to the Ashram during Chandan Yatra, engaging in 21 days of intense cultural and spiritual practices.
- Follows the Ashram tradition of dance and prayer
- 21-day cultural retreat during Chandan Yatra
- Blends spiritual practices with Gotipua training
Founding the Gotipua Gurukul
In 2003, Guru Maharana established the Abhinna Sundara Gotipua Nrutya Parishad with a vision to revive and sustain the ancient Gotipua dance tradition. The Gurukul offers free training, moral education, and Ayurvedic care to young boys, preserving the sacred parampara.
- Free training in Gotipua dance and classical music
- Boarding, moral education, and holistic wellness
- Revival of the Guru-Shishya tradition in a modern context
Global Recognition & Awards
Under Guru Maharana’s guidance, Gotipua has graced stages worldwide, including Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Dubai. His commitment has earned him prestigious awards like the SriKshetra Samman, Kalashri Samman, and the Chinta O Chetana Jatiya Baisakhi Samman.
- Performed in Italy, Japan, the UK, and Dubai
- Honored with 10+ national and international awards
- Mentored over 200 students globally
Our Features
Experience Tradition & Culture
Immerse yourself in Odisha’s rich traditions with mesmerizing dance, exquisite crafts, and authentic flavors.
Art & Craft Demonstration
Witness the exquisite artistry of Odisha’s renowned Pattachitra paintings, intricate silver filigree, and the handwoven Sambalpuri Ikat. Engage with artisans as they craft timeless masterpieces, preserving centuries of heritage.
Traditional Crafts:
- Pattachitra Paintings: Intricate storytelling through mythological themes on cloth and palm leaves.
- Tussar Paintings: Natural silk paintings depicting deities and folklore.
- Palm Leaf Engravings: Ancient manuscripts and artistic engravings on dried palm leaves.
- Paper Masks: Handmade masks used in traditional dance and theater performances.
- Wooden Work: Exquisite hand-carved wooden sculptures and decorative pieces.
- Stone Carving: Detailed stone sculptures, from temple idols to architectural wonders.
- Saura Paintings: Tribal art form with geometric figures and vibrant colors.
- Other Heritage Gift Items: Unique souvenirs, handcrafted jewelry, and cultural artifacts.
Gotipua Dance Performance
Gotipua is a mesmerizing classical dance where young boys perform graceful acrobatics and spiritual storytelling, keeping alive the sacred roots of Odissi dance. Experience the vibrant traditions of our heritage through mesmerizing classical performances and cultural expressions.
Traditional Dance Forms:
- Gotipua Dance: The roots of Odissi dance, performed by young boys dressed as female dancers.
- Mahari Dance: The sacred temple dance performed by devadasis in Puri’s Jagannath Temple.
- Odissi Dance: A graceful classical dance depicting spiritual and mythological stories.
- Sambalpuri Dance: A folk dance filled with energy and colorful attire.
- Ghoda Nacha: A unique horse-mask dance showcasing warrior traditions.
- Palla & Sankirtana: Devotional performances with storytelling and music.
- Ghanta Mandal: A dance accompanied by rhythmic bell sounds.
- Sahi Yatra: A grand procession combining dance, drama, and mythology.
- Paika Akhada: A traditional martial art form performed with swords and shields.
- Jodi Sankha: A rare conch-blowing performance symbolizing victory.
- Mayurbhanj Chhau Dance: A martial arts-inspired dance with masks and acrobatics.
Traditional Food Experience
Experience the flavors of Odisha with authentic dishes like Dalma, Pakhala Bhata (fermented rice), and the divine Mahaprasad of Puri’s Jagannath Temple, each dish infused with sacred tradition. Immerse yourself in an authentic cultural retreat with our heritage homestay and traditional delicacies.
Cultural Experiences:
- Stay in Heritage Homes: Experience life in traditional homes with vintage aesthetics and warm hospitality.
- Authentic Odia Cuisine: Savor homemade delicacies like Dalma, Pakhala Bhata, Chhena Poda, and fresh seafood.
- Cultural Evenings: Enjoy folk music, storytelling, and dance performances by local artists.
Gurukul Visit
Step into an ancient world of wisdom and discipline, where students master scriptures, classical music, and Vedic teachings in an ambiance of divine serenity. Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Odisha with our Heritage Home Stay experience. Stay in a traditional setting, relish authentic cuisine, and engage in cultural activities that showcase the essence of our heritage.
Facilities for Visitors:
- 🎨 Art & Craft Demonstration: Witness skilled artisans at work as they create intricate crafts using age-old techniques.
- 🎭 Traditional Gotipua Dance & Music Performance: Enjoy a mesmerizing performance of Gotipua, the precursor to Odissi dance, accompanied by soulful traditional music.
- 🍛 Traditional Food Experience: Savor the flavors of Odisha with a delightful spread of authentic dishes, prepared using time-honored recipes.
- 🏛️ Gurukul Visit: Explore the heritage learning system of a Gurukul, where knowledge is passed down through generations in a serene and disciplined environment.
Every moment here is a celebration of heritage. Whether it’s painting with artisans, witnessing divine dance, relishing traditional delicacies, or meditating in a Gurukul, you’ll take home not just memories but a deep-rooted connection to Odisha’s timeless traditions.
