Berhampur: The rhythm of drums, cymbals and conch shells that reverberated in the air for last 21 days for ‘Danda Nata’ in Ganjam district culminated on Monday on ‘Maha Bishub Sankranti’.
People in large numbers gathered at Danda Kali temples in parts of Ganjam district to take part in the final rituals.
In Berhampur, ‘Meru Jatra’ was celebrated at Danda Kali temples at New Bus Stand, Panigrahipentha, Diamond Tank Road, Bijipur, Ambapua, and Anand Sarani. Large crowds gathered to have a glimpse of the final offering of the ‘Pata Bhoktas’, who lead the ‘Danda Nata’ troupes.
After ritualistic baths, the ‘Pata Bhoktas’ were led to the Danda Kali temples by other ‘Danduas’. The ‘Pata Bhoktas’ were blindfolded, their bodies smeared with a special paste comprising turmeric and other herbs. They were then hung above a pit of fire, upside down, and moved till three drops of blood fell from the nostrils into the fire, amidst cheers of devotees.
Ganjam came alive during these days with ‘Danduas’ dancing barefoot on the streets, undeterred by the scorching heat, though blessed with rain and hail, and a drop in temperature twice during this period.
The festival, which marks the worship of Shiva and Shakti, is a form of worshipping Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati. The participants of Danda, called Danduas (also known as Bhoktas), pray to Goddesses Kali and Shiva during this period. This festival of penance starts from Ram Navami and begins 13, 18 or 21 days before ‘Bisuba Sankranti’, and culminates on Maha Vishuva Sankranti.
The Danduas generally stay near a temple or some sacred place, away from their near and dear ones, to concentrate on worshiping. They move out every morning amidst beating of drums and blowing of conch and trumpet. As they move in rows with red and yellow flags, locals seek their blessings. ‘Danduas’ perform on the streets and in front of one house every day when they are asked to do so by a particular house owner.
The ‘Danduas’ eat only once a day and don’t even take water till ‘Pani Danda’ in the evening. Although the dance is very ritualistic, there is no caste bar for participants. The dance is performed in three phases — ‘Dhuli Danda’, ‘Pani Danda’ and ‘Agni Danda’.
‘Dhuli Danda’ takes place in the afternoon when the ‘Danduas’ roll bare-bodied on the hot soil under the scorching sun. During sunset, they assemble at a nearby pond to perform rituals of ‘Pani Danda’. With the arrival of night comes ‘Agni Danda’ with its marvellously awe-inspiring rituals that enthral onlookers.
There is a strict dress code, with only white, yellow or saffron cloth being used. The deities are carried in a small red box and fanned by peacock plumes.
Though not much is known about its origin, some historians have said it started around 400 years back. There are 120 distinct groups of Danduas in Ganjam district.
According to mythology, 13 sons of the great saint Tarani in ‘Tretaya Yug’ practised self-inflicted ‘punishment’ to appease Lord Brahma who cursed them for their misdeed. Another legend says 13 sons of Indra and Kubera criticised the figure of the great saint ‘Astabakra’ who cursed them to be born in ‘Martya’ and suffer a lot. The son of Indra who took birth as a bird hunter died in snakebite masterminded by Lord Shiva. He helped to kill the bird hunter after the birds prayed to ‘Garuda’ who prayed to Lord Shiva to find a way out. But the bird hunter regained his life after his two wives worshiped Maa Kali and the Goddess prayed to Lord Shiva to give life to the bird hunter. Maa Kali ordered the bird hunter to propagate her dignity.
Danduas left the comfort of their homes to take up the penance in a festive mood in honour of mother goddess ‘Danda Kali’. After ‘Meru Jatra’, they return to their homes.
