Danda nacha

Danda is performed in the month of Chaitra, and Udanda in the month of Baisakha.Danda Nrutya, in Orissa is a popular form of religious folk dance (nrutya). Though the name is Nrutya or dance, it is basically observation of religious fast for a period of 21 days by devotees for fulfillment of certain cherished desire. The main God (Lord Siva) remains in form of a ever burning fire in a fire torch (Masal ) four in numbers. Two devotees carry two torch each from evening to the next day morning and theses torches are constantly poured with fire powder made from the latex of a local 'Sal' tree. The devotees remain sleepless during the night where Danda Dance (Nrutya) is performed before the Lord.Originated in Ganjam District of Orissa, it is observed all over the state.

Danda means punishment. Therefore the observation is marked by some rigorous practices. The devotees believe the more tough the practice more the fruit of accomplishment. The presiding deities are Siva and Kali or Parvati (wife of Lord Siva). The esoteric measures are very stringent in this religious observation. The three different form of Danda are Pani Danda, Dhuli Danda and Agni Danda. Dhuli Danda is very very painful, since it is observed on hot dusts under scorching sun in the month of Chaitra i.e. April & May. The devotees are called Bhagatas. One among them is called Pata Bhagata or Pata Dandua, who leads the group of devotees. The number of days of observation is always uneven, i.e. 7,9,11,13,19 or 21. Whatever may be the days of observation, the process will end with Mahabisuba Sankaranti.It is a unique culture in Orissa, which permits devotees of all the segment of Hindu society. The entire period of observation the Bhagats belong to the family of Siva and Parvati. No Bhagata shaves his face or cut the hair. but, shaves his face after the Danda observation is over. but, this is for the deity not for this family.Although the dance differs from area to area in presentation, but, remains the same in the basic principles.