Nrutyadhara Foundation

Mudras in Odissi dance, play a major role in describing mythological stories of India. Through mudras, a dancer expresses the inner feelings and gives an aesthetic experience to the audience.

The word “Mudra” is a Sanskrit word, which means “gesture” . Mudras(hand gestures) are an integral part of classical dance, as they help to convey the meaning of the dance’s story, emotions, or spiritual concepts to the audience, often without the need for words.

Types of Mudras:

There are two main types of mudras used in Indian classical dance:

1. Asamyukta Mudras (Single-Hand Gestures): https://nrutyadharafoundation.org/asamyukta-hasta-mudras/
2. Samyukta Mudras (Single-Hand Gestures) : https://nrutyadharafoundation.org/samyukta-hasta-mudra/

Mudras in Odissi dance are fundamental tools for communication, which enhances the narrative and expressive power of the performer.