Bhubaneswar, Sept. 25 -- Efforts for granting of classical status to Odissi music gained momentum as Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has written 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 B.C.E. is yet to be recognized as a classical music by the Government of India," Patnaik said in the letter.

The Heritage Cabinet in its meeting held on 02.9.2020 decided to draw the attention of Union Government towards according classical status to...