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Patua Jatra, similar to that of "Pala", is a
well-known form prevalent among the low caste people. The festival of
Patua continues from the 23rd day of the month of 'Chaitra' to the 15th
day of 'Vaisakha' in honour of Goddess 'Gauri' or 'Mangala'. This festival
dance organised in honour of 'Sarala' of Jahakada, 'Mangala' of
'Kakatapur, 'Charchika' of Banki, 'Cuttack Chandi' of
Cuttack appears to have
been meant for 'Sakta' Goddess. The Kalisi or Saman of the deity is
engaged in times of epidemic and other natural calamity.
A Musical Narration
The Patua's songs depict the stories of 'Ramayana', 'Mahabharata' and
'Puranas' and more recently the songs of the medieval and modern poets.
The simple songs used are called "Pada Bandia" and the other
type "Artha Bandia" which is a jugglery of words conveying
deeper meaning. The traditional 'Mirdanga' has been adopted for the
performance of the second type. This is recently been influenced by the "Pala".