| Pala | |
|---|---|
| Types | Musical theatre |
| Originating culture | Odia & Bengali |
| Originating era | 1510 CE. |
Pala is a cultural folk ballad form of Odisha, derived from Sanskrit and Odia literature.[1][2] It is performed by a group of five or six people, consisting of a 'gayaka' (main singer), a 'bayaka' (drummer), and a 'palia' (chorus). The gayaka has a 'chamara' (fly-whisk) in his left hand, which he flourishes, and a pair of cymbals in his right hand. He narrates episodes from Puranic texts, punctuated with explanations. The chorus dance in small rhythmical steps along with the gayaka.[3]
- ^ James R. Brandon; Martin Banham (28 January 1997). The Cambridge Guide to Asian Theatre. Cambridge University Press. pp. 101–. ISBN 978-0-521-58822-5.
- ^ Orissa General Knowledge. Bright Publications. pp. 73–. ISBN 978-81-7199-574-5.
- ^ Data and Expo India Pvt Ltd; Ashutosh Goyal (1 May 2014). RBS Visitors Guide INDIA - Odisha: Odisha Travel Guide. Data and Expo India Pvt. Ltd. pp. 97–. ISBN 978-93-80844-82-4.