Pala (folk art)

Pala is a cultural folk ballad form of Odisha, derived from Sanskrit and Odia literature.[1][2] It is performed by a group of five or six people, consisting of a 'gayaka' (main singer), a 'bayaka' (drummer), and a 'palia' (chorus). The gayaka has a 'chamara' (fly-whisk) in his left hand, which he flourishes, and a pair of cymbals in his right hand. He narrates episodes from Puranic texts, punctuated with explanations. The chorus dance in small rhythmical steps along with the gayaka.[3]

For others, see Pala (disambiguation).
Pala
TypesMusical theatre
Originating cultureOdia & Bengali
Originating era1510 CE.

Origin

Pala is found in Sarala Das's Mahabharata. [4]

Performance

The Pala generally performed on the occasion of Ekousia (21st day of the birth of a child, when the naming ceremony is observed) or 'Satyanarayana puja'.[5] There are two forms of Pala, both are associated with the worship of lord Satyanarayana. They are 'Baithaki' (sitting) and 'Thia' (standing).[6]

Sometimes, especially on the occasion of ritual festivals, competition of two or more groups are also arranged in which all the groups try their best to prove their moments. Thus, the singing gets elongated for several nights. As Pala in odisha dwells on ancient literature, a Pala singer is required to be a man well versed in Sanskrit and in odiya literature. The Pala singers commands the language of Sanskrit in at sharp and clear voice.[7]

See also

References
  1. James R. Brandon; Martin Banham (28 January 1997). The Cambridge Guide to Asian Theatre. Cambridge University Press. pp. 101–. ISBN 978-0-521-58822-5.
  2. Orissa General Knowledge. Bright Publications. pp. 73–. ISBN 978-81-7199-574-5.
  3. Data and Expo India Pvt Ltd; Ashutosh Goyal (1 May 2014). RBS Visitors Guide INDIA - Odisha: Odisha Travel Guide. Data and Expo India Pvt. Ltd. pp. 97–. ISBN 978-93-80844-82-4.
  4. Mohammed Yamin. Impact of Islam on Orissan Culture. Readworthy. pp. 71–. ISBN 978-93-5018-102-7.
  5. Orissa Society of Americas 36th Annual Convention Souvenir. Odisha Society of the Americas. pp. 66–. GGKEY:TPPXKELDXJJ.
  6. Orissa Society of Americas 28th Annual Convention Souvenir: For Annual Convention Held in 1997 at Houston, Texas. Odisha Society of the Americas. pp. 18–. GGKEY:FR1SCBR0P8B.
  7. Mohammed Yamin. Impact of Islam on Orissan Culture. Readworthy. pp. 73–. ISBN 978-93-5018-102-7.
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