Chakulia Panda Singers: Preserving a Sacred Tradition Amid Modern Entertainment Challenges | Bhubaneswar News
Kendrapada: During Kartik month, Chakulia Panda singers are seen moving in Odisha’s coastal districts by singing devotional songs in exchange for rice and money, though their numbers are dwindling due to competition from other forms of entertainment and lack of interest in the work among the youngsters.
The wandering minstrels, recognised by the marks of white sandalwood on their forehead, palm leaf umbrellas and rice bags, are considered sacred performers, especially in rural areas. “Kartik month is crucial for our livelihood. It’s a family tradition we cannot afford to neglect,” says Somanath Das, a Chakulia Panda from Jagatsinghpur.
Basudev Das, a local researcher, said these singers have been an integral part of coastal Odisha’s cultural fabric, particularly in Kendrapada and Jagatsinghpur districts. Their simple yet melodious devotional songs have significantly influenced Odia culture, he added.
However, from about 300 singers two decades ago, only 120 are active across both districts now. “Most singers are poor farmers who depend on the charity of listeners,” said Manmohan Das, a Chakulia Panda of Bharatpur village.
The younger generation’s declining interest in the profession threatens the tradition’s survival. “Only the most needy youth temporarily take up this work now,” said Bharat Das (54) of Rajnagar.
Despite competition from modern entertainment, these singers maintain their relevance in rural areas through their religious appeal. Gayadhar Das (64), who began performing at the age of 12, sounded optimistic. “Despite the invasion of TV and internet, our traditional songs survive due to their religious significance in rural areas,” he said.
Locals believe that offering rice to Chakulia Pandas is more auspicious than giving to a 100 Brahmins. These artists never seek alms, accepting whatever villagers offer while maintaining their dignified tradition of devotional singing.
The wandering minstrels, recognised by the marks of white sandalwood on their forehead, palm leaf umbrellas and rice bags, are considered sacred performers, especially in rural areas. “Kartik month is crucial for our livelihood. It’s a family tradition we cannot afford to neglect,” says Somanath Das, a Chakulia Panda from Jagatsinghpur.
Basudev Das, a local researcher, said these singers have been an integral part of coastal Odisha’s cultural fabric, particularly in Kendrapada and Jagatsinghpur districts. Their simple yet melodious devotional songs have significantly influenced Odia culture, he added.
However, from about 300 singers two decades ago, only 120 are active across both districts now. “Most singers are poor farmers who depend on the charity of listeners,” said Manmohan Das, a Chakulia Panda of Bharatpur village.
The younger generation’s declining interest in the profession threatens the tradition’s survival. “Only the most needy youth temporarily take up this work now,” said Bharat Das (54) of Rajnagar.
Despite competition from modern entertainment, these singers maintain their relevance in rural areas through their religious appeal. Gayadhar Das (64), who began performing at the age of 12, sounded optimistic. “Despite the invasion of TV and internet, our traditional songs survive due to their religious significance in rural areas,” he said.
Locals believe that offering rice to Chakulia Pandas is more auspicious than giving to a 100 Brahmins. These artists never seek alms, accepting whatever villagers offer while maintaining their dignified tradition of devotional singing.
