BARIPADA: The Santhals match steps in ‘Dansaye’ (a dance form) to worship the Goddess during the five-day autumn festival. Dressed in bright-coloured clothes with peacock feathers on their head, the male dancers sway to the tunes of bhuyang, a stringed instrument made from dried and scooped out melon. It is a sight to behold.People flock to Baripada during the Puja to witness the centuries-old tradition of the tribals. Today, small groups of dancers perform in individual houses and the residents reciprocate with gifts.This is in keeping with the history of the dance that can be traced back to ‘Bhanja’ rulers. During their reign, there were five-day marathon performances by these dancers at the Lion’s gate of the majestic palace of the King of Mayurbhanj. “The dancers were served specially prepared ladoos and presented a brightly coloured cloth on Dussehra by the king. The cloth was considered a prized possession which earned the dancer special respect from the common man,” said culturist Sibu Marandi.The Dansaye is an amazing blend of culture and Shakti puja. Researcher Sunil Kumar Dash said the Santhals worship Goddess Durga as a symbol of ‘Shakti’ and welcome her as the vanquisher of evil in keeping with the mainstream belief. “The tribals with their passionate and ardent dance try to appease the Goddess and seek her blessings for peace and future prosperity,” he said. It is an integral part of the Dussehra celebrations in Mayurbhanj district, he added.
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