Suiting to the occasion of Nabakalebara year, a special marvelous drama “Nila Madhava” was staged in a pleasant climate by Ladies and Children of Utkalika Cultural Association of Ukkunagaram, at Sri Jagannath temple complex as a part of the Annual RathYatra celebration. The story of the drama tells about - A Manifestation of Daru Brahma leading to 1st Appearance of Lord Sri Jagannath. The one-and-half-an-hour drama was edited, directed and coordinated by A P Sahu, Secretary of UCA, Ukkunagaram who conveyed his thankfulness to Late Biren Routray, a dashing odia actor of yesteryears who had been the inspiring source behind this drama. It was his (Biren Routray) wish that in RathYatra, a drama Nila Madhava which is based on the story of Sri Jagannath would be staged.

The skills displayed by the women and child artists completely floored the employees and their families of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant when they watch the drama Nila Madhava. It was a mixture of comedy, seriousness, anger, curiosity, poignancy, and emotions.

Lord Jagannath a public deity:

According to Purana, Lord Jagannath was originally worshipped as Lord Nila Madhava by a Savar king (tribal chief) named Viswavasu secretly in a cave of Nilgiri Mountain covered with dense forest. It was Indradyumna, the Dwapara Yuga king of Malwa, who made Lord Jagannath a public deity.

At the beginning, the scene of kids as kalia and Balia enthralled the audience and set the tone of the drama. The sabara tribal dance performed by the kids enthralled and captivated the spectators. The typical colloquial conversation between two tribal sabara girls (between Lalita and Saria) was also very much appreciated by the crowd. At the end, the sacrifice scene by King Indradyumna touched many. The emotional moments in the story made it quite moving and touching and the entire crowd was mesmerized. The crowd applauded the lady artists for their outstanding heart touching performance.

RINL Director (Projects) P C Mohapatra and ViSteel Mahila Samithi vice-president Smt Bindu Mohapatra appreciated the effort put forward by the entire drama troupe and at the end, gave away the mementos to all the participants.

The ladies participated in the drama are Mita, Chiku, Itu, Tafan, Roop and, Silu.

The child artists participated in the drama are Archis, Aditi, Dudli, Sujal, Rian, Ohm, Kakan, Manali, Sunayana & Anwesha.

Photo caption: King Indradumnya, Rani and others in a scene from “Nila Madhava”