Introduction

Padma Shri Guru Bhagabat Pradhan is a distinguished traditional performing artiste and one of the foremost exponents of Sabda Nrutya, an ancient folk-dance tradition of western Odisha associated with Lord Mahadev. Hailing from Bargarh district, he has devoted more than five decades to preserving, practising and popularising this distinctive dance tradition. His extraordinary dedication has helped take Sabda Nrutya beyond its traditional temple setting and introduce it to wider audiences. In recognition of his lifelong contribution to the preservation and promotion of this traditional art form, the Government of India conferred the Padma Shri on him in 2024 in the field of Art.

Date and Place of Birth

Guru Bhagabat Pradhan was born on 24 June 1938 in Kumbhari village of Bargarh district, Odisha. He came from an ordinary farming family and initially worked as a primary-school teacher during the 1960s. Despite financial and professional challenges, his profound passion for traditional performing arts remained unwavering. Eventually, he left his teaching profession and dedicated himself fully to the practice and propagation of Sabda Nrutya.

Other Awards and Honours

Before receiving the Padma Shri, Guru Pradhan had already earned recognition for his contribution to traditional performing arts. He received the Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for his work in the field of traditional dance. In 2025, the Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi conferred upon him the prestigious Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja Samman, its highest honour, in recognition of his exceptional contribution to the performing arts.