Efforts for granting of classical status to the Odishi music gained momentum as Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday wrote a letter to Union Culture Minister Prahlad Singh Patel in this regard.
“I would like to draw your attention to the ongoing efforts put by the art and music lovers of Odisha to confer classical status to Odissi music (Vocal and Instrumental).
It is a matter of concern that Odissi music, the tradition of which dates back almost to second century BCE is yet to be recognised as a classical music by the Government of India,” the letter said.A brief report on the classical aspects of Odishi music prepared by the Department of Odia Language, Literature & Culture was enclosed with the letter.