Shilpgram Utsav 2025: Gotipua Dance Blends Devotion and Acrobatics to Enchant Lord Jagannath
Udaipur: When devotion and physical prowess come together, the result is the mesmerizing Gotipua dance. This was evident on Thursday evening at the Muktakashi Stage during Shilpgram Utsav 2025, where audiences were left spellbound by the spectacular Gotipua performance from Odisha.
At first glance, many spectators believed the performers were female dancers. However, the revelation that these were young boys dressed in complete female attire left the audience astonished. Adorned in traditional costumes, the dancers displayed graceful feminine expressions and perfectly synchronized movements to please Lord Jagannath. Adding to the visual delight were thrilling acrobatic feats—human pyramids and daring formations—that drew thunderous applause, echoing across the entire Shilpgram complex.
The ten-day Shilpgram Utsav, organized by the North Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur, showcased a rich tapestry of folk performances on its fifth evening, beautifully reflecting the festival’s theme, “Lok ke Rang – Lok ke Sang.”
Cultural troupes from across the country captivated audiences with their vibrant presentations. Gujarat’s energetic Garba set to Gujarati folk tunes, Jammu’s traditional Dogri folk dance Jagarna, Rajasthan’s Sahariya Swang dance portraying tribal culture, and the elegant Safed Angi Gair enthralled spectators. Performances such as Goa’s Dekhni dance depicting women pleading with a boatman to cross the river, Tripura’s Hojagiri dance with breathtaking bottle-balancing, and Odisha’s tribal Sambalpuri dance received warm appreciation.
The excitement peaked with Maharashtra’s Mallakhamb artists showcasing strength and agility through stunning pole acrobatics. Haryana’s popular Ghoomar and Rajasthan’s Deru dance dedicated to folk deity Gogaji were also highly appreciated. Other notable performances included Rajasthan’s Been-Jogi, West Bengal’s martial art-infused Natua dance, Chhattisgarh’s Pandavani Gyan narrating the epic of the Pandavas, and the action-packed Thangta-stick folk performance, all of which kept the audience enthralled.
The evening’s proceedings were smoothly conducted by anchors Durgesh Chandwani and Mohita Dixit.
‘Hivda Ri Hook’ Draws Enthusiastic Participation
At the Banjara Stage, the interactive program ‘Hivda Ri Hook’ continued to engage fairgoers on its fifth day. Participants showcased their talents by singing songs, reciting poetry, and more. The quiz session conducted by coordinator Saurabh Bhatt attracted enthusiastic participation from audiences of all age groups, with instant prizes awarded to correct answers.
Folk Entertainment Across the Fairgrounds
Throughout Shilpgram, various thadas (performance spots) hosted continuous folk entertainment from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Performances included Kachhi Ghodi and Been-Jogi near the main gate, Gavri and Garba at Bhujodi, Chakri at Pithora, acrobatics near the Angan, Powada and wrestling at Devra, Masak Vadan at Banni, Manganiyar singing in the Big Bazaar, Gondhal at the Bazaar corner, Ghumat at Sam, puppet shows at Goa Rural, and Sundari performances near the Darpan Gate.
Adding to the festive charm, roaming Bahurupiyas amused visitors across the premises, while stone sculptures installed at various locations emerged as major attractions and popular selfie points for visitors.
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