RANAPA DANCE

Ranapa literally means a stilt. The dance on the stilts is prevalent among the cowherd communities of South Orissa mainly in Ganjam district. The artists standing on the stilts dance with atmost ease to the accompaniment of "Dhol" and "Mahuri" (wind instruments). Songs relating to the boyhood exploits of Lord Krishna are also sung intermittently.

Padmasri Bhagaban Sahu with his party presenting this item have dazzled many a spectator in and outside the state on ceremonious occasions with the symmetrical movements of his young dancers on stilts accompanied with "Dhol" and "Mahuri".