Histrionics, dialogues at its best at 'jatra pala '

VARANASI: The devotees got a glimpse of 'jatra pala' (Bengali opera) amidst cacophony at the pandal of Kashi Durgotsav Samiti at Maharaja Chet Singh Fort on Saturday night.
The histrionics, excellent dialogue delivery, fine gestures, music and dance by Kolkata's jatra opera Tapovan Natya Company at Rabindra Sarani, a hub of jatra operas, etched a lasting impressions on the mind of a milling crowd of people from Bengali community, devotees and locals.Bengali actress Sayantika was the centre of attraction and the performances evoked a feeling of excitement among those present.
Kashi Durgotsav Samiti (KDS) is the only committee in the city which celebrates the open stage show 'Jatra'. It involves an open-air folk opera based on ancient epics or present socio-political issues.
Every year, artists from jatra operas of Bengal are invited to perform in the field right beside the fort on the bank of Ganga during the last three days of Shardiya Navratra, starting with Maha Saptami.
The acts reflect the day-to-day happenings and routine incidents centered around different themes, Ashok Kanti Chakravarty, a member of KDS said. This year, a total of 50 artists of jatra opera have arrived.
On Saturday night, the opera artists gave a three-hour jatra performance on social theme titled 'Premer Basore Rakter Holi', written, edited and directed by Nilkamal Chatterji.
The act revolves around how an MLA is involved in women trafficking and its impact on society.
Another Jatra Pala on ancient theme (Krishna Leela) titled 'Palki Bhanda Kalankini' would be organized late on Sunday night.
The three-day Jatra performances would conclude with social theme 'Ek Aakashe Dui Prithvi' witnessing participation of noted Bengali actress Shilpa Das on Monday night.