Battu

Battu highlights the basic concepts of the Odissi nritta technique bringing out the duality of the masculine and the feminine through the basic stance of the chauk and tribhanga. This is performed in praise of Batukeshwar Bhairav or Shiva. Battu is considered the most difficult item of Odissi dance. The dance begins with a series of sculpturesque poses depicting the playing of the Veena, Mardala (Drum), Cymbals (Manjira) and the Flute, bringing alive the dance sculptures adorning the temples of Orissa. The music for this piece is composed by Pandit Bhubaneswar Mishra and the item is set to Raag: Mohana Taal: Maalika.