Odia Docufilm On Puri’s Dwindling Art Form ‘Sahi Jata’ Bags First Prize

Bhubaneswar: Documentary film ‘Shrikshetra Ru Sahi Jata’ by Puri-based filmmaker Ashutosh Pattnaik was an attempt to popularize and preserve an ancient art form on the verge of extinction. And his efforts were recognised at the third edition of Chitra Bharati film festival in Gujarat, where it was awarded the first prize.

Ashutosh received the award, comprising a trophy, a certificate and Rs 1 lakh, from Union Minister of State for Shipping, Chemical and Fertilizers Mansukh Laxmanbhai Mandaviya on Sunday.

Sound of conch shell reverberates through the streets of Puri as people clad in myriad hues, beating drums and blowing trumpets take out a grand procession to celebrate the spring carnival and folk art – ‘Sahi Jata’. Decorated elephants, horses, flag bearers are also a part of the processions. Traced to 1230 AD, the festival involves street shows like wrestling, acrobats, war techniques like handling the swords, stick and other weapons. It is, however, limited only to the Sahis or particular streets near Jagannath Temple in Puri.

“I wanted to make a documentary on Ram Leela and suddenly realized that ‘Sahi Jata’, which creates a lot of buzz every year during Ram Navami is something that needs the spotlight,” said Ashutosh, who has also worked in Shibu Prustry’s national award winning film ‘The Lord of the Universe’ as a cameraman.

The docufilm had earlier received a special Jury Mention at Noida International Film festival. It was also screened at JDCA’s film festival held in the Odisha capital recently.

The 35-minute-long docufilm was shot over 10-13 days.  “Effort was made not to compromise on the authenticity of the music while preparing the track. We, however, had to make it more appealing. The characters of Ramayana dressed in traditional costume deliver dialogues and sing songs roaming around the seven Sahis. On the last day, they perform at the Jagannath Ballav. Every Sahi prepares as per the character assigned to them,” he added.

The seven Sahis, which take part in ‘Sahi Jata’ every year, are Bali Sahi, Kalikadevi Sahi, Kundhei Benta Sahi, Harchandi Sahi, Goudabada Sahi, Markandeswara Sahi and Dolamandapa Sahi. This festival is organised with the meagre contribution by locals.

Ashutosh had earlier made a documentary on the life of a transgender, Meera Parida. His short ad film ‘The Butterfly’ in Odia on discrimination against girl child, had won the third prize at Kallola Film Festival. His ‘Tara Can’ also bagged the first prize in the 5-minute category at ‘We Care Film Fest’. “I want to continue making films on diminishing Odia culture, folk dance and festivals,” Ashutosh added.