Folk Dances of Odisha: As Agents of Social & Behavioural Change

Abstract

Odisha, as a culturally rich state, folk media plays an indispensable role in protecting the history and cultural identity from generation to generation. Due to the lack of accessibility and availability of other media, it became very popular in disseminating information, education, and entertainment among rural people. Among all kinds of folk media, folk dance and folk music are the most renowned media for their vibrant music and graceful body movements. In this study, various renowned folk dances, including Gotipua, Dalkhai, Dhemsa, Bagha Nacha, and Mayurbhanj Chhau, are discussed. The study further explores the role of folk dances as agents of social and behavioural change. For this, a qualitative methodology and descriptive method are used to determine the importance of folk dance in shaping social and behavioural change. The research reveals that folk dances are not only for entertainment purposes, but also have major contributions towards national development.