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A colourful and popular performance is rendered by two
members, one signer ('Gayaka') and the other accompanist ('Palia'). The
very word "Dasakathia" is derived from the word Das, which means
worshipper and 'Kathi' means two pieces of sticks, which produce a very
sweet sound. This performance is ritualistic and secular in nature.
The performers each holding a pair of sticks begins their performance in
chorus with invocatory verses composed by the local poets, each one
striking his own sticks in perfect tune. The recitation of mythological
themes in usually at the top of voice hypnotizes folk listeners. The
comment of Sukumar Ray on the performance of Daskathia appears to be
interesting. Hence, it may be less musical but more dramatic.
Costumes
The dramatic performance includes verbose stanzas of various types
including 'pauranic' episodes mixed with manly vigour. Luxurious in dress
and with turban on head and wearing a long 'luish' or silken coat, the two
'dasas' create a visual attraction of the listeners by their gestures and
postures. This vocal recital is based on some patterns of tunes of
inherent southern rural character.
The form of inimitable type of music is a distinctive contribution of
Ganjam district of South Orissa. Accentuation of the
languages, breaking of
syllables with notes, rigid pronunciations indicate a clear fusion of
southern patterns in Oriya.