Jatra
AI-drafted · awaiting admin review
Bengal’s popular open-air folk theatre, with loud dialogue, songs and live music, played on an open stage surrounded by the audience.
Folk theatreWhere: West BengalOccasion: Mainly from autumn to spring, after Durga Puja, in villages and towns
| Performed by | Professional travelling companies of men and women |
|---|---|
| Costume | Bright stage costumes and make-up suited to the story, from mythological kings to modern characters |
| Music and instruments | Harmonium, tabla, flute, violin and clarinet; the band sits beside the stage |
How it is performed
- The stage is an open platform with the audience on all sides.
- A musical overture (concert) opens the show.
- Actors speak in a dramatic style and sing songs; stories range from myths and history to social themes.
- A performance can last several hours, often through the night.
Significance
Jatra grew out of devotional plays about Krishna, which spread with the Vaishnava movement of Sri Chaitanya. Jatra companies, many based on Kolkata’s Chitpur Road, still tour villages every season.