puskuja

Puskuja is a traditional Indian folk dance form that originated in the state of Odisha. It is performed during the festival of Pushkar Mela, which is held annually in the holy city of Puri. The dance is a vibrant and energetic portrayal of the life and legends of Lord Jagannath, the supreme deity of Odisha.

The dance is typically performed by young men and women dressed in traditional attire, known as patachitra. The performers wear colorful masks that depict various characters from Hindu mythology, including Lord Jagannath, his sister Subhadra, and his brother Balabhadra. The masks are intricately designed and are believed to possess spiritual powers.

The dance is characterized by its rapid footwork, intricate hand gestures, and expressive facial movements. The performers move in a circular pattern, symbolizing the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth. The dance is accompanied by traditional Odissi music, which includes drums, cymbals, and flutes.

Puskuja is not just a dance form, but also a religious ritual. It is believed to please the deities and seek their blessings. The dance is performed in the evening, and the performers offer prayers to the deities before they begin. The dance is also believed to have medicinal properties, and it is said to cure various ailments.

The dance form has been recognized by the Government of India as an important cultural heritage and has been included in the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list by UNESCO. It continues to be an important part of Odisha's cultural heritage and is performed with great enthusiasm and devotion during the Pushkar Mela.