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Themes
Rama Leela, a very popular theatrical performance of Orissa
as elsewhere in India, being religious in character retains all its
religious significance. The theme of the performance is derived from
'Ramayana'. In some places the performers use masks and there are others
who do not use them.
There
is no information with regard to the origin of this type of performance in
Orissa but on the basis of availability of vast mass of 'Rama' literature
in palm leaf manuscripts, iconographic representation of "Rama Andhis"
associates on the temple walls, presence of Hanuman images in various
sacred places, the popularity of Ramayana in folk and sophisticated
society, give a clear indication of continuity of the tradition of "Ramalila".
The form of performance as one notice in the coastal belt of Orissa is as
old as other folk performances. Of course, in the present day performance
many other items of 'Jatra' have been incorporated to gain a mass appeal