| 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.

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

Join the Legacy

| Heritage Art & Culture

Experience the Vibrant Traditions of Our Heritage

Gotipua Dance

A traditional dance by young boys dressed as females, embodying the roots of Odissi.

Mahari Dance

A sacred temple dance once performed by devadasis in Jagannath Temple of Puri.

Odissi Dance

A graceful and spiritual classical dance depicting divine and mythological stories.

Sambalpuri Dance

A colorful and energetic folk dance representing the cultural essence of Odisha.

Ghoda Nacha

A unique warrior dance where performers don horse masks and enact battle scenes.

Palla

A devotional performance blending storytelling, poetry, and melodious singing.

Sankirtana

A musical tradition involving devotional songs, dance, and rhythmic percussion.

Ghanta Mandal

A spiritually uplifting dance accompanied by synchronized rhythmic bell sounds.

Sahi Jata

A grand street procession that blends dance, drama, and vibrant mythological themes.

Paika Akhada

A traditional martial art featuring sword fights, combat techniques, and agility.

Jodi Sankha

A rare and powerful conch-blowing performance symbolizing strength and victory.

Mayurbhanj Chhau Dance

A martial-arts-inspired dance with dramatic masks and impressive acrobatic moves.

| Heritage Art & Crafts

Discover the Craftsmanship of Skilled Artisans

Pattachitra Paintings

Intricate visual storytelling crafted on cloth and dried palm leaves.

Tussar Paintings

Natural silk-based paintings portraying deities, folklore, and traditions.

Palm Leaf Engravings

Historical scriptures and engravings beautifully etched on palm leaves.

Paper Masks

Handmade decorative masks used in classical dance and folk theatre.

Wooden Work

Artistic hand-carved sculptures, furniture, and ornamental wood pieces.

Stone Carving

Masterfully detailed stone sculptures, temple deities, and fine carvings.

Saura Paintings

Tribal art depicting daily life, deities, and nature in geometric forms.

Other Heritage Gift Items

Handcrafted jewelry, souvenirs, and artifacts celebrating cultural roots.

| Heritage Home Stay & Traditional Food

Immerse Yourself in an Authentic Cultural Retreat

Stay in Heritage Homes

Live in traditional homes with vintage aesthetics and warm hospitality.

Authentic Odia Cuisine

Savor homemade delights like Dalma, Pakhala Bhata, Chhena Poda, and seafood.

Cultural Evenings

Enjoy folk music, storytelling, and vibrant dance performances by local artists.

Traditional Cooking Sessions

Learn the secrets of heritage cooking from skilled local chefs.

Eco-Friendly Experience

Stay in sustainable, nature-inspired settings with minimal environmental impact.

Festival Celebrations

Experience grand Odia festivals with rituals, feasts, and joyous gatherings.

Heritage Souvenirs

Take home handcrafted memorabilia that reflect Odisha’s rich traditions.

Kapoteswar Siva Temple

Located near our Gurukul, this ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, offering a serene spiritual retreat amidst Odisha’s rich cultural landscape.

Gotipua Gurukul Workshops & Seminars

Empowering Through Knowledge & Tradition

At Gotipua Gurukul, workshops and seminars are not just events but transformative experiences. We conduct insightful sessions to preserve and propagate the ancient art form of Gotipua, along with skill-building activities that empower young minds. Renowned artists, scholars, and enthusiasts come together to share knowledge and inspire the next generation.

Our workshops focus on various aspects, including dance training, cultural heritage, and life skills development. These interactive sessions not only enhance performance but also boost confidence and cultural understanding. Participants leave with enriched experiences and newfound inspiration to keep traditions alive.

Join Our Next Workshop