The Paika Nrutya, a dance form of
Orissa, is an enactment of a battle. The word ‘paika’ means battle and 'nrutya’ means dance.
This dance is performed during the festival of Dussehra by the boys belonging to an ‘akhada’, a traditional gymnasium found in most Indian villages. The boys would dance with swords and shields accompanied by the rhythm of a drum. Usually this dance is performed in a village ground by various groups in a competitive manner.
During ancient period, part-time soldiers belonging to the villages used to perform this dance to instill upon themselves the excitement and courage required for a battle.
