Monika Samantaray

🪔 About

Monika Samantaray is a prominent Indian classical Odissi dancer and teacher, based in Bhubaneswar, India. She commenced her Odissi journey under the tutelage of Guru Smt. Jyoti Rout at Jyoti Kala Mandir (JKM), where she underwent over 13 years of rigorous training, workshops, and performances. Her dedication and excellence in the classical arts are evidenced by her status as a Senior Scholarship holder under the CCRT, Government of India, and her recognition as a B-Grade Artist by Doordarshan (Prasar Bharati), Govt. of India. Samantaray has evolved from a dedicated student into a respected teacher at Jyoti Kala Mandir, the institution where her training began, and is currently a leading dancer and instructor there. She has also established her own teaching venture, "Odishi Dance classes with Monika Samantaray," in Forest Park, Bhubaneswar, which began in December 2021. Her artistry is celebrated for its captivating expressions, which are said to mesmerize audiences. For Monika Samantaray, Odissi transcends a mere art form, serving as a sacred offering and a form of worship to Lord Jagannath. Throughout her career, Monika Samantaray has received several accolades, including the Guru Raghunath Dutta Award, the National Nrutya Shiromani Award, and Navpratibha. She has also made television appearances on programs such as Nupur Duet. In 2023, she co-anchored the Delhi Odissi Utsav. She continues to perform and teach, contributing to the legacy of Odissi with grace and devotion. Awards & Honours: Guru Raghunath Dutta Award, National Nrutya Shiromani Award, Navpratibha.