Bargaon is a village under Bargaon Panchayat Samiti of Sundargarh district in Odisha. It is a tribal dominated Block, where more than 75 per cent people belong to different tribal communities. But Bargaon village itself is not a tribal dominated village. This village has got a special place in the cultural map of Sundargarh district because it celebrates Chait Yatra in the Hindu month of Chaitra (March-April).
The main attraction of Chait Yatra is performance of Ram-Lila during this period. It starts on birthday of Lord Ramachandra i.e. Rama-Navami Tithi. It means, it begins on Chaitra Sukla Navami Tithi i.e. ninth day of bright fortnight in the Hindu month of Chaitra and ends on Purnima i.e. full-moon day of Chaitra. Thus, it continues for seven days. Popularity of Ram-Leela in a tribal dominated area during Chait Yatra reveals influence of Hindu culture and tradition. The organizers should be thanked for their commendable job of promoting this tradition.
Chait Yatra is not performed purely for public entertainment. One finds a myth-ritual performance relationship in this form of folk Yatra. This gives us an idea that, folk worship and cult of Rama are associated with ritualistic theatre form. Its basic function is religious and the event is normally festival and fair organized by the village community to propitiate Lord Rama, Lord Laxmana and Goddess Sita. Thus, we may say that traditional performing art in Bargaon is woven in the lives of rural population of Bargaon. Their subject matter is normally from the Indian mythology like the Ramayana. The incidents narrated or sung are from the lives of Rama, Laxmana, Sita, Hanumana and such other deities. Though, this is not a historical or social theme, it affects the social life very much.
It is difficult to ascertain when exactly this tradition has started in Bargaon. However, people of this area think that it began some three to four hundred years back. Time is all-powerful and invincible. Nothing escapes from its command and control. It lifts up anything to the peak of glory and grandeur. Also, it throws away anything into the dark of oblivion again. One and all are a mere puppet in the hands of time. Chait Yatra is also not above this universal truth.
Today, Chai Yatra of Bargaon has become a unique folk drama form with harmonious blend of folk and classical elements. In course of time, the lyrical grace has embraced this dance form. Many unknown poets have composed songs in different period of time. Consequently, the entire composition has taken the shape of a Giti–Natya i.e. lyrical dance drama. In other words, the entire Ram-Lila is enacted in lyrical form. Time has, however, thrown these lyricists into the dark of oblivion. This is in fact the characteristic of a folk and tribal tradition where poet, writer and lyricist do not get personal recognition.
During Chait Jatra, there is a group of singers who recite and narrate these compositions. The main singer is a Brahmin by caste who observes certain rituals during Chait Yatra. Similarly, the character of Ramachandra is carried out by one Brahmin. He also observes certain rituals during the period of his performance. Female characters are executed by male members. This is also the nature of a folk tradition in West Odisha, where male members perform the roles of females. It has gained wider recognition as a folk drama and become one of the important regional folk traditions in West Odisha. Apparently, Chait Yatra is organized with the coming together of professionals with its mission of liberating the human spirit for a better tomorrow.
The popularity of Chait Yatra has grown over the years. One finds tremendous enthusiasm in Bargaon during this period. The fame of Chait Yatra attracts people from nearby villages and towns as well. Amazing eagerness and passion are noticed amongst the people residing in the villages within ten to twelve kilometers radius of Bargaon to witness this enchanting folk drama form.
This folk tradition has helped in preserving and disseminating our ancient Pouranic Hindu tradition and heritage among the tribal people in this area. Downward devolution of cultural elements of Ramayana Tradition (Great Tradition) and subsequent integration with the local tradition (Little Tradition) has taken place in Bargaon Chait Yatra. Constant interaction between the tribal and non-tribal people has occurred at the grass root level. In other words, Ramayana has been localized at Bargaon.
Chait Yatra begins at night and continues till the sun rise. Everybody enjoys the Yatra whole night. Frequently, people start approaching the village Bargaon from evening. One finds several males, females and children from neighbouring villages walking down on the serpentine roads leading towards Bargaon. Eagerness to reach the spot of Yatra is clearly noticeable on their faces. Excitement is more visible on the faces of children and young unmarried ladies. Besides Chait Yatra, it is the hat which attracts them more.
Chait Jatra of Bargaon bubbles with commercial activities. Various skills are used by the organizers to raise income. Village lands are auctioned to vendors who in turn do their business throughout the Jatra period. Under the veil of Chait Jatra, some people are found running tea stall, pan shop and the hotel business encroaching upon village and government lands. The typical rural hat or bazaar comes up on this occasion adds to the colour and glamour of Chait Yatra in Bargaon.
The cheap Sari, Dhuti, Lungi and Gamuchha, different colours and designs of Chudi (bangles), Sindur (vermilion), various kinds of inexpensive ornaments made up of brass, aluminium etc, low-priced child garments, plastic chappal and shoes, low-cost household utensils and such other items generally required in day to day life of the common people in the villages add to the colour and glamour of this rural hat. Piquantly, the biggest gainer of this Jatra so far has been this class of petty traders and businessmen. Several ancillary business also take profit on the occasion of this Jatra, like Pheriwala who sale ribbon, thread and the like, not to mention the Gudia i.e. singda, pakodi, bara, piaji, gulgula and bundi makers, publicity and make up materials manufacturers.
This is an occasion when young girls meet young boys. They select one another leading to marriage. This is an event when the villagers of Bargaon receive guests and relatives gladly. Wounded relationships are repaired and social ties are renewed. Old friends and relatives meet one another after a long time. Thus, this serves a social platform for unity. Though the origin of this lyrical folk drama is yet to be discovered, one point is clear that Ramayana cult has tremendous influence on this dance drama.
Dr. Chitrasen Pasayat lives at 152-Vijay Vihar, Nuagaon Road, Sishupalgarh, Bhubaneswar, Odisha-751002. E-mail: pasayatc@gmail.com
