Kendrapada: Ghoda Nacha, a vibrant folk dance, once an integral part of the thriving cultural life in Kendrapada district and its nearby areas, is now at crossroads. The dance features dancers in dummy horse frames and is performed by fishermen during Chaitra Purnima festival (March-April) as part of Chaiti Ghoda celebrations.“Ghoda Nacha that has for long been the medium of entertainment on festive occasions in rural areas is not much sought after nowadays due to the advent of TV, internet and cellphone,” said Maheswar Behera (58), a noted performer of Gandhakhia village. Expressing fear that the folk form might become extinct, Behera said nowadays we perform only during some religious festivals and in some government functions.Usually, two performers dance and sing to the beats of drummers during the two-hour long Ghoda Nacha. Ghoda Nacha artisans bring to life characters of Lord Krishna, Radha and other mythological characters and social themes, said Basudev Das, a researcher of Kendrapada. “We charge around Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 to perform in a dance show,” said Bhagawan Behera (32), a performer from Jadupur village.Disappointed over the poor demand even during festive seasons, Narendra Behera (60), a performer, said “Nowadays nobody is interested to listen to the melodious voice and enjoy the dance. It is a tragedy that the new generation lacks interest in Ghoda Nacha. This ancient form of entertainment is on the verge of extinction.”Few performers are practicing the folk form to keep it alive. “It is difficult to make both ends meet just by performing this dance. The money is too less. Many performers have switched to other trades,” said Pabitra Mohan Behera (60) of Kansar village. “We wait for Chaitra Purnima to earn more money as the demand shoots up during this period,” said Ajaya Behera (67), a fisherman of Shyamsundarpur.District culture officer Tribhuban Jaisingh said the district administration provides pensions to many Ghoda Naach performers under Mukhyamantri Kalakar Sahayata Yojana (MKSY). “We also invite artists to perform at many functions of the government. Recently, the forest department organized Ghoda Naach in the villages to create awareness about the human-animal conflict and forest fire,” he said.
