Dashkathiya: A basic form of folk dance in Ganjam district

Dashkathiya is a basic form of folk dance in Ganjam district, Orissa. Though it is found in every corner of the state but Ganjam has got a unique position in terms of delivering particular rhymes, verses and poems. Being a modulated form of Odia literature Dashkathiya attracts various groups of people both educated and uneducated mass.

Dashkathiya is an open stage performance where two performers are needed. There are two ‘Gayak’ who narrate the story.  While one sings the other ‘Palia’ follows the unsung parts of Gayak’s rhymes. The main instrument of this performance is known as ‘Ramtali’ and ‘Dashkathiya’. The story of any mythology is presented in the form of verses.

The way of presentation of the form is very important. Since, only two artists are required to perform the show, they need to be very much attractive to draw the attention of viewers.

Moving to the next step the artists must have a true knowledge of mythological takes and of literature as well. Ornamentation of words with proper accent forms another important feature of Dashkathiya. Dance forms and acting comes with an attractive dialect that has the capability to swap the attention of audience.

The performances of Dashkathiya need to read the exact situation and condition of a story, thereby developing the stanzas according. It is always useful to understand the language, accent and rhymes. The ‘Palias’ need to create the environment of humours and joy many a times.

Various forms of human emotions are designed in the dance form with the use of ‘tripaata’, ‘aathatali’, ‘ekathali’ and ‘jhulathala. Mostly the verses are composed in the format of fourteen separate alphabets in a particular line.

Dashkathiya though can be compared with other forms of regional folk dances yet, it has its own position in the hearts of Ganjam people.

Source: Orissa Diary