Danda Jatra or Danda Nata or Danda Yatra (Odia: ଦଣ୍ଡ ଯାତ୍ରା / ଦଣ୍ଡ ନାଟ) is one of the ancient dance forms of Odisha, originated from Galleri and Baibelli village of Ghumushar. This dance is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Maa Mahakali. Now-a-days, this festival is celebrating in different places of Ganjam and Gajapati district from 13 to 21 days in the Month of Chitra according to the Odia calender.
Origins of Danda Jatra
Danda Jatra was the one dance organizing during the month of Chaitra at Taratarini Temple, but people wished to perform at their own places, so started at their village. Then it speeded with others.
When it's celebrating??
Danda Jatra is mainly celebrated in the month of Chaitra according to the Odia calender which is in the month of March and April according to the Georgian Calendar. After 6 days of the Sankranti, they took 4 days to prepare for the Yatra.
Duration
It's 21 days of Jatra from which, the first 8 days are known as Jhamu Jatra and the rest 13 days are known as Danda Jatra. The Jatra ends on the Vishuba Sankranti which is known as Pana Sankranti in Odisha. This festival is also known as Meru Yatra.
Participants
For the Danda Jatra, there are lots of people who used to join for this dance form. All the participants are known as Dandua and the leader of one group is known as Pata Dandua.
Rules
The Pata Dandua used to have fasted and he only eats snacks and juices. And the Danduas used to have only one meal which is pure veg and they prepare their meal for themselves.
Dance & Music
The dance is known as Danda Nata, where Danda refers to a stick and Nata refers to Dance which formed from Natrja.
The Danduas used to play some music using Dholas which is one of the old musical instrument. During these 13 days of Danda Jatra, Danudas along the Pata Dandua used to travel from village to villages to perform the Danda Nata.
All these photographs are sent by Chandrakanti Pradhan. All these contents are based on different articles available on Internet.
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