Berhampur, Mar 25: The Bhanjanagar police has issued a strict warning on the matter of obscene dance during the Danda Jatra in Odisha’s Ganjam
As per reports, the Police officials warned the organizers to conduct the Jatra within the historical tradition and dignity.
Strict action will be taken if rules are violated, the official said during a press conference.
All the Jatra committees have been asked to stage their act as per the guidelines, said SDPO Sujit Kumar Nayak.
Several members, including Loknath Kar, Jagadish Panigrahi, and Basanti Panigrahi, also present in the press conference.
Worth mentioning, the Danda Nacha (dance), a centuries-old tradition, dedicated to Goddess Rudrakali, begins today when a group of men, known as Danduas, enter a trance-like state and start dancing in various forms. This performance is part of their penance, which they believe will lead to the fulfillment of their vows. The dancers, in rhythmic movements, step and swing over one another while enduring the intense heat of burning ash.
During this time of the year, the entire Ganjam district becomes a stage for one of the most revered spiritual traditions. The Danda Jatra takes place 21, 18, or 13 days before Pana Sankranti, which falls in the month of Chaitra, around April 14, and marks the Odia New Year.
According to tradition, the Danduas fast from sunrise to midnight, perform barefoot parikramas, and engage in various acts of penance. There are different forms of Danda, including:
Dhuli Danda: Performed by rolling on the ground as an act of humility.
Pani Danda: Rituals conducted while immersed in water.
Agni Danda: Walking over burning embers as a test of endurance.
Bajra Danda: A symbolic representation of enduring divine wrath.
