Lord Jagannath is the presiding deity of Odisha and is an intimate part and parcel of Odia life. Since times immortal, music and dance in Odisha have been intertwined with Lord Jagannath.


The famous Odissi dance and Odia style of singing (Udra Magadhi style) is based on a complete surrender to the Lord. That is why while singing, less emphasis is given on the exercise of tone modulation and variation, and more on a clear, powerful and majestic style of singing.

Jaidev is the greatest odia poet who penned the magnum opus Gita Govinda that forms the backbone of Odissi dance.