Jamatikra: Increasing popularity of modern modes of entertainment has had a diabolical impact on the folk arts and artistes. It has left them struggling for own survival as well as for their creations.
‘Sanchar’ is one of the famous art forms in the western Odisha. Except for ‘Gen X and Gen Y All’ all probably are aware of this form of art.
In fact once upon a time, it used to be the sole mode of entertainment for the people in Bargarh district.
A ‘Sanchar’ troupe comprises three members. One is a percussionist who is known as ‘murudungia’ as he plays ‘mrudanga’. The other two are his assistants.
The performers’ unique get up and their colourful clothes make them stand apart from the rest of the crowd. They wear earrings, gold chains around necks, headgears and anklets.
In the past, the performance was so engaging that the connoisseurs of the art would remain hooked to their seats. The performers would have a mesmerising effect on the audience also.
The performers were wise enough to study the mood of the crowd. At times they would portray different characters, mostly comic ones, so that the audience never felt bored.
‘Sanchar’ artists believe that god is present in every art form. Hence they traditionally start with a specific ‘taal’ (beat) and with the same ‘taal’ they finish it.
However, the ‘Sanchar’ artistes now feel that their art is dying a slow death. “With no government patronage and the youth turning their faces away from this form of art, the chance of Sanchar’s survival is very slim,” the artistes observed.
Western Odisha is synonymous with its different types of folk art forms. But these are on the verge of extinction and among them the first one would be ‘Sanchar’. With no proper audience, the incomes of the ‘Sanchar’ artistes have also decreased. Hence even some of their own family members are turning to look for other modes of incomes.
Artistes like Manbodh Bhat, Bishakha Rana, Mayadhar Dhoba and Durlabha Das of Bargarh district made ‘Sanchar’ popular. Now their disciples Kshmanidhi Sahu of Talamendha, Parbati Das and Chinamali Dash of Rupapali and a few others are fighting against all odds to keep this art form afloat.
Another ‘Sanchar’ artiste Ashtami Deep of Parmanpur village under Attabira block said, “It is time the State Government took initiative to infuse life into the dying art forms. This would not only help create new artistes but also ensure a decent livelihood for them. A special training centre is the need of the hour.”
Presently, Sanchar is performed only on two occasions- ‘Dhanu Yatra and Bali Yatra’. That also may not happen in the near future.
Is anybody listening?
PNN