Ratha and Kalakunja in Berhampur Thakurani Yatra

Ratha (decorated exhibits of mythological characters) and Kalakunja (exhibits depicting mythological scenes) are the third major attraction of Berhampur Thakurani Yatra following the Goddess’s procession and Besha (role play).

Though no historical evidence could be gathered so far on the date of origin of such exhibits, it is told that huge exhibits of mythological characters were erected at Desi Behera Street and main road of Big Bazar. Rathas were sponsored by people of adjoining area. Residents of a particular street used to sponsor for erection of a particular exhibit. In some cases two groups from two different streets used to erect two different exhibits on a same subject on competitive basis.

Such exhibits were built year after year and the same material were used with a few up-gradation. Residents from different streets use to store the material of Ratha in community halls of their own streets. The exhibits were built-up at different streets and pulled on as chariots to the Yatra venue. That is how such exhibits are called Ratha (Chariot).

In course of time with increase of exhibits and congestion of traffic at Desi Behera Street and main road of Big Bazar, gradually the exhibits prepared by different streets were placed at different locations and the tradition continues till now. There are about 35 Rathas being erected during the Yatra. It has been noted that while some Rathas have lost appearance, such as Boita Ratha (Ship), exhibition of a few other Rathas were suspended for a period of time like Nagarjuna Ratha of Sita Ram Street. There are also some other Rathas which are exhibited continuously for a long time. Jwalamukhi Ratha of Kalu Patra Street is celebrating Platinum Jubilee of regular appearance for 75 years, this time.

It is believed that though Berhampur Thakurani Yatra might have started soon after migration of Debanga or Dera community from Andhra Pradesh to Berhampur some time between 1772 and 1782, the political instability at Mahuri till 1850 and great famine during 1865 may not have provided a conducive atmosphere for building huge Rathas during the Yatra till the later part of 19^th century. Growth of trading activities at Berhampur during last three decades of 19^th century and beginning of 20^th century should have provided support to organise the Yatra with grandeur.

Some point out that erection of huge exhibits is a southern influence just like Ghata Puja, which forms the main ritual in the Yatra. It is believed that some residents of Kalu Patra Street were facinated by huge Jwalamukhi exhibits in Andhra Pradesh and decided to replicate. They invited an artist from Mandasa (a small town in Srikakulam District of Andhra Pradesh about 50 kms away from Berhampur) who built an idol of 16 feet high. Jwalamukhi is considered as the sister of Thakurani.

Major Rathas in the Yatra include Ramachandra, Laxman, Eswar, Narayan, Jaganath, Hari Arjun, Nagarjun, Nrusigha, Karna, Parsuram, Sibarudha Kali, Shymakali, Kanak Durga, Hanuman and Kamadhenu etc. Traditionally Binchana (Fan) Ratha of Bachubari Street and Doli (swing) Ratha of Santarani Street are exhibited first in order during the Yatra.

The practice of exhibition of Kalakunjas dates back to 1961 and 1963 Yatra period. Residents of a few streets adjoining the Yatra venue started erecting scenes from mythology instead of single character as in the case of Ratha. They invited artists from Cuttack to build-up such scenes. With availability of electricity the Kalakunjas and the roads leading to such exhibits could be colourfully decorated. The visitors of Yatra moved from one street to another to witness Rathas and Kalakunjas.

While the mythological characters of the Rathas remain constant throughout and the material used to construct the idols are stored for years, the theme of Kalakunjas along with the construction material change every time. All the Rathas and Kalakunjas are usually exhibited during last week of the Yatra.