Odissi music

Odissi () also referred to as Orissi in old literature, oldest surviving classical dance of India, is a major ancient Indian classical dance that originated in the temples of Odisha – an eastern coastal state of India. Odissi, in its history, was performed predominantly by women, and expressed religious stories and spiritual ideas, particularly of Vaishnavism through songs written and composed according to the ragas & talas of Odissi music by ancient poets of the state. Odissi performances have also expressed ideas of other traditions such as those related to Hindu deities Shiva and Surya, as

poem by Jayadeva

ancient classical music of the Indian state of Odisha

Odia singer

Odissi classical vocalist (1934–2013)

Odissi musician, mardala guru, composer and researcher

Mardala (, ) is a classical percussive instrument native to the east Indian state of Odisha, traditionally used as the primary accompaniment in Odissi classical music. The instrument is slightly different from other instruments (like Madal, Mridangam, etc.) that might have similar names in the Indian subcontinent due to its unique construction, acoustic features and traditional playing technique.

Odissi classical vocalist