World Odissi Music Day Celebrated – Lack of Classical Recognition for Odissi Music Termed Unfortunate
Sakhigopal, 01/06 (Saswat TV) – World Odissi Music Day was celebrated at Satyabadi Music College. The event was inaugurated by retired professor Brundaban Rath through the lighting of the ceremonial lamp. Teachers, students, and staff of the college participated in the Odissi music session and discussion circle.
Speaking on the occasion, Professor Brundaban Rath said that Odissi music holds a distinct identity in the musical landscape of Odisha. He expressed deep gratitude toward the revered gurus and practitioners who have taken Odissi music to the global stage.
Odissi music was once widely popular in the Shri Jagannath culture and royal courts. However, it is extremely unfortunate that, even today, Odissi music has not been granted classical status. While the Odia language and Odissi dance have already received classical recognition, repeated proposals have been sent by the state government to the central government seeking independent classical status for Odissi music.
During the discussion, many music practitioners pointed out that despite Odissi music and dance gurus being honored at the national level, Odissi music still lacks the official recognition as a state music form and continues to be deprived of its due rights.
Satyabadi Music College Secretary Badrinarayan Khuntia emphasized the need for further research on the uniqueness and melodic depth of Odissi music. The event featured contributions from noted Odissi music gurus including Achyuta Maharana, Ashok Sahu, Braja Kishore Mahapatra, Durga Prasad Mahapatra, Digambar Rath, Odissi dance guru Chirasrota Khuntia, Meera Das, Baikunthanath Sethi, and Manas Nayak, who participated through performances and instrumental presentations.
