Nayagarh: Odisha's oldest open-air folk theatre spectacle, the historic Lanka Podi Jatra of Daspalla, celebrated its 224th edition this week, reaffirming its place as a cultural cornerstone of the state.
Thousands of devotees and art lovers thronged the town to witness the dramatic retelling of Lord Ram's leelas, staged across multiple open-air platforms.
Over 150 performers from children to seasoned actors took part, many donning handcrafted wooden masks as they enacted episodes from the Ramayan, including the climactic Ravana Vadh. Ritual vows and traditional music added authenticity to the performances, keeping alive centuries-old practices.
The highlight was a towering 35-foot movable Ravana effigy and a 40-foot Pushpaka Vimana, which traversed nearly three kilometers across five stages, captivating audiences with their scale and artistry. Spectators eagerly awaited the moment Lord Ram's Brahmastra returned after felling Ravana, a dramatic finale that has defined the Jatra for generations.
The festival, blending devotion, theatre, and heritage, remains a vibrant reminder of Odisha's rich performing arts legacy and the enduring spirit of Daspalla's Lanka Podi Jatra.