They replaced Devadasis
It is believed that Gotipua dancers replaced the Devdasis, but were not allowed to dance inside the temple. Bijay says the dance form has gained respect over the years. Initially, dancers travelled across villages to eck out a living but with sansthas now looking after their needs and auditoriums dedicated to showcasing their work, it's found recognition in India and abroad.

The Gotipua dancers begin their training as early as age six in their gurukuls. There are only 18 established sansthas in India, all of them in Orissa. Bijay, who will be performing the dance with his troupe for the first time in the city, is at the helm of a sanstha in Bhubhaneshwar called Nakshyatra Gurukul. With limited resources that he gathers from his own performances, Bijay trains the boys in dance, provides for their school education in school, meals and clothes, even setting up a savings account that will see them through life.u00a0

He says the gurukul comes before his own family. "I must provide for these children since they come from underprivileged homes. Very often, they are sent away to cities on work by the time they are 10. So, parents require serious convincing if they are to be sent to me."

The schedule is rigorous

The boys are meant to wake up at 4 am and practice yoga. After they are given a tel maalish, they have their breakfast, study and leave for school. When they return, they practice Gotipua, study, pray, have dinner and go to bed. "It's not a strict schedule and I don't enforce any rules. Even though I ask them to wake up at four, on most winter mornings theyu00a0 laze around in bed for hours," smiles Bijay, looking at the boys giggling from a distance.

At: Bijay and his troupe perform on May 23 at Vidyapeet Vidyarthi Bhavan, 4th floor, B Road, Churchgate at 7 pm.
Call: 9322002677
On May 24 at Carter Road Amphitheatre, opposite Cafe Coffee Day, Bandra at 6.30 pm