Street theatre festival brings Ramayana to life in Puri
Puri: Sahi Jata festival, one of India’s largest open-air theatre, has begun with Puri streets turning into vibrant stages for dramatic retelling of the Ramayana. Held annually on Rama Navami, the nine-day festival is dedicated to Lord Jagannath.
“The festival connects our spiritual heritage with performing arts,” said Surendra Mishra, a leading researcher of Jagannath culture. He traces the festival’s roots back to the 16th century, during the reign of king Ramachandra Deva.
Eight historic sahis (streets) take turns over nine days, each staging a different episode from the Ramayana — from Lord Rama’s birth to his coronation. Performances continue well into the night, featuring thousands of local artists.
“Our costumes alone weigh up to 50 kg. I’ve been following a strict sattvic diet and maintaining rigorous physical training for two months to prepare,” said Jasobanta Mohapatra, who plays the character of Durga Medha.
Before stepping into their roles, artists seek blessings at the Jagannath Temple, receiving garlands. The festival is also graced by the presence of the ‘chalanti pratima’ (moving idol) of Lord Jagannath during the rituals at the Jagannath Ballava Matha.
Jasmine flowers have emerged as a symbol of the festival. Local vendor Gobind Mohapatra said he sells over 15,000 jasmine garlands daily during the festival, often running out of stock by evening due to overwhelming demand.
State govt this year officially recognised the festival’s cultural importance, sanctioning Rs 20 lakh for its promotion and organisation. Half of the funding is allocated for artists’ costumes, with the remainder supporting other arrangements.
Puri district collector Siddharth Shankar Swain sees greater potential in the festival’s future. “Sahi Jata has the power to showcase Puri’s cultural heritage globally,” he said. Swain also announced plans to elevate the Krishna Sahi Jata, a similar festival celebrated during Janmashtami, to comparable grandeur.
“The festival connects our spiritual heritage with performing arts,” said Surendra Mishra, a leading researcher of Jagannath culture. He traces the festival’s roots back to the 16th century, during the reign of king Ramachandra Deva.
Eight historic sahis (streets) take turns over nine days, each staging a different episode from the Ramayana — from Lord Rama’s birth to his coronation. Performances continue well into the night, featuring thousands of local artists.
“Our costumes alone weigh up to 50 kg. I’ve been following a strict sattvic diet and maintaining rigorous physical training for two months to prepare,” said Jasobanta Mohapatra, who plays the character of Durga Medha.
Before stepping into their roles, artists seek blessings at the Jagannath Temple, receiving garlands. The festival is also graced by the presence of the ‘chalanti pratima’ (moving idol) of Lord Jagannath during the rituals at the Jagannath Ballava Matha.
Jasmine flowers have emerged as a symbol of the festival. Local vendor Gobind Mohapatra said he sells over 15,000 jasmine garlands daily during the festival, often running out of stock by evening due to overwhelming demand.
State govt this year officially recognised the festival’s cultural importance, sanctioning Rs 20 lakh for its promotion and organisation. Half of the funding is allocated for artists’ costumes, with the remainder supporting other arrangements.
Puri district collector Siddharth Shankar Swain sees greater potential in the festival’s future. “Sahi Jata has the power to showcase Puri’s cultural heritage globally,” he said. Swain also announced plans to elevate the Krishna Sahi Jata, a similar festival celebrated during Janmashtami, to comparable grandeur.
