Bhubaneswar: The Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre is hosting an Odissi music workshop to train young singers in rare ragas.

The workshop is emphasising on the idea to develop the rendering style of various ragas in Odissi and the use of bhabanga and natyanga.

In bhabanga, due importance is given to the bhava or feelings. It is performed in the traditional way and sometimes more than one raga is used accordance with the theme of the song.

In natyanga, the songs are performed keeping the drama element in it. This is used in the gotipua dance. Taal's variation is prominent feature in natyanga as well. Natyanga songs are always based on shringar rasa.

The workshop is being conducted by musician Ramahari Das. He gave the students an insight into the history of the Odissi musical traditions.

"Odissi music has a rich legacy dating back to 2nd century B.C. when King Kharavela, the then ruler of Odisha (Kalinga), patronised this music and dance. There are historical evidences in the form of sculptural evidences - i.e. musical instruments, singing and dancing postures of damsels in the Ranigumpha Cave in Khandagiri and Udayagiri at Bhubaneswar. We need to pass on the heritage to the younger generations," said Das.

Chief executive officer of the centre Sangita Gosain said plans were afoot to boost the institute's activities. "For the past six years, the number of activities has come down. Questions have been raised over its performance. We are now making plans to restore its old glory. We have the gurukul system of education here. Not only the students learn music, they also read allied subjects at this residential institute," she said.

"We do have Hindustani and Carnatic music. But we have to show how Odissi is different from these two streams. Earlier, people believed that Odissi music was only accompanying music. But the genre is slowly emerging as solo music," she added.