- Young artists aged 6 to 14 mesmerized the audience with their flexibility, balance, and intricate poses
A special cultural performance of the traditional Odissi dance style ‘Gotipua’ was organized on September 24, 2026, at the NEI Auditorium in Budhwari Bazar, Bilaspur, under the joint aegis of the South East Central Railway Cultural Association and SPIC MACAY. Held from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, this cultural evening introduced the audience to India’s rich artistic and cultural heritage through the captivating performances of young artists.
‘Gotipua’ is a distinctive dance style rooted in the rich folk and classical dance traditions of Odisha. The dance showcases a remarkable blend of expressions, rhythm, music, physical flexibility, balance, and intricate postures. The artists’ excellent performance, coordination, and energy captivated the audience. The atmosphere became truly delightful and musical, filled with the rhythmic beats of the Pakhawaj, the chiming of Manjiras (cymbals), the melodies of the harmonium, and soulful singing.
During the performance, the young artists bent their bodies like a bow to create various striking formations, including a chariot, the reclining posture of Lord Vishnu, and a pyramid. They demonstrated extraordinary physical flexibility and balance by combining complex dance poses with various Yogasanas (yoga postures). A scene where the artists waved the flag of Bharat Mata (Mother India) was a particular highlight. Clad in traditional attire, these artists—aged between 6 and 14—created such a magical atmosphere that the auditorium echoed with continuous applause. This remarkable performance was directed by Shri B. Sahu, the Founder-Director of the Bhubaneswar-based Nakshatra Gurukul. He explained that these young artists undergo training while residing at the Gurukul and have reached this level of proficiency after years of rigorous dedication and approximately 22,000 hours of practice. He noted that Gotipua is an extremely demanding dance form requiring regular practice, discipline, and ceaseless hard work.
The event was graced by Smt. Meenakshi Sharma, President of the South East Central Railway Women’s Welfare Organization (SECRWO), as the Chief Guest, while Additional General Manager Shri Vijay Kumar Sahu and SECRWO Vice-President Smt. Anjula Sahu attended as Guests of Honour. Principal Chief Personnel Officer Dr. Darshanita Ahluwalia, along with Shri Manish Agrawal, Shri Anoop Kumar Satpathy, and several other senior officials of the South East Central Railway, were also present.
Shri Ajay Shrivastava, the Chhattisgarh Coordinator for SPIC MACAY and Chairman of Aadharshila School, also attended the event. While sharing information about the activities and objectives of SPIC MACAY, he highlighted the organization’s continuous efforts to bring the nation’s classical music and cultural heritage to the youth and to connect the new generation with Indian art and culture.
Organized by the South East Central Railway Cultural Association, the event aimed to connect the railway family with Indian art and culture and to foster awareness and interest in rich cultural traditions. At the conclusion of the program, Smt. Meenakshi Sharma and Smt. Anjula Sahu honored the Gotipua artists by presenting them with affectionate gifts and mementos. The young artists sought their blessings.
The enthusiastic presence of the railway family and the captivating performance by the artists made the cultural evening truly memorable. This unique presentation of Indian art and culture received immense appreciation and an enthusiastic response from the audience.