BHUBANESWAR: Sahi Jatra, a festival which was initiated during the reign of Chodoganga in 1230 AD, is the epitome of the rich cultural heritage of the state. Artistes dressed up as various characters like Naga, Devi and Ravana were seen bejewelled with heavy head gears and decorative masks in the festivities that kick-started from Ram Navami in Puri.
According to records, Sahi Jatra received the form of street play in 11th century. The festival starts from Ram Navami and spans for a fortnight depicting birth of Lord Rama and the many avatars of Lord Vishnu. Various Sahi or localities of Puri participate in the majestic celebration of Indian mythology.
The Sahi Jatra of any particular street begins its procession to any of its competitor streets or to the ‘Balisahi’. All members of the Jagagharas (Gymnasiums) take active participation in the festival. Interacting with Orissa Post, various Sahi Jatra artistes threw light on this unique festival.
Umamani said, “Our dance is an amalgamation of martial arts and folk dance that is showcased with a religious theme. It’s sort of a folk drama. The standout feature of the festivity is the grand procession which starts from the narrow lane of each Sahi (locality) and finally comes out with flame torches and bands to the main roads where hundreds of people gather to observe the magnificent folk-art of Puri.”
Bholi Panda, a maker of the illustrious costumes for past three years, said, “Puri is a secured place where Jagagharas or gymnasiums were developed to safeguard the city from invaders. There are seven ancient Sahis in the holy town on both sides of the main road and 42 by-lanes around the Jagannath Temple. These Sahis have permanent jagagharas. The presiding deity is Goddess Durga or Lord Hanuman.”
Each Sahi has a distinctive emblem. According to records, these localities once defended the temple of Lord Jagannath from invaders and therefore they have the privilege to display their traditional weapons during the Jatra. Each of the episodes has a colourful procession accompanied by Torch bearers, Conch shell players, Trumpets, Horses, Palinki and more. This year’s edition of the festival attracted visitors and researchers of culture and art who had a gala time watching the procession and filming them.
This year, the administration has directed the Sahi Jatra actors to perform in the duration of 7 PM to 11 PM. Idols of Parsuram from Harachandi Sahi, Ravana from Balisahi and Maya Ravana from Dola Mandap Sahi were especially attractive this year.
Residents of Kalikadebi Sahi, Matimandapa Sahi, Harachandi Sahi, Markandeswara Sahi, Baseli Sahi, Kundhaibenta Sahi, Dolomandapa Sahi, Bali Sahi and Gaudabada Sahi took the responsibility of conducting the grand event. Residents of the holy city and visitors from the state are set to revel in the festivities till the concluding day of the fest.
