Prahallad Nataka: An Immortal Cultural Legacy - ✓ Guru Sri Krushna Chandra Sahu

Описание: Prahallad Nataka: An Immortal Cultural Legacy - ✓ Guru Sri Krushna Chandra Sahu | ପ୍ରହଲ୍ଲାଦ ନାଟକ : ଏକ ଅମର ସାଂସ୍କୃତିକ ଐତିହ୍ୟ
#prahaladnatak #dance #rajanatak #ganjam #folkdance #culture #narsinghavatar #prahalad
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This documentary presents the life journey of a devoted cultural artist Sri Krushna Chandra Sahu born on 15 February 1937 in Khukundiya Nuagadh village of Ghumusar taluka, Ganjam district, Odisha. Guided by his father, Yuddistir Sahu—a renowned brass fish craftsman, dancer, and Prahallad Nataka performer—the artist was introduced early to the world of music, dance, and traditional craftsmanship. From the age of nine, he began formal training in music and dance, soon performing the role of Prahallad and mastering raga, rhythm, and expressive movement. Alongside stage performance, he learned the hereditary craft of brass fish making, contributing to his family’s livelihood.

By his late teens, his talent earned him recognition as a teacher, and he began training Prahallad Nataka troupes across numerous villages of Ganjam, Ghumusar, Badakhemundi, and Surangi regions. Over the years, he trained more than thirteen drama groups, nurturing generations of skilled artists and preserving a priceless Odia folk tradition. His dedication led him beyond Odisha, as Prahallad Nataka was performed in London, France, Canada, Spain, and Delhi, captivating international audiences and intellectual communities.

Despite financial hardships, his lifelong commitment to art never wavered. He also served in government-supported brass fish training centers, creating public artworks and mentoring young craftsmen. Now in his old age, having lost his wife and carrying the memories of a lifetime of devotion, he stands as a living witness to the endurance of Prahallad Nataka—an immortal cultural legacy shaped by faith, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication.

© ⚠️ All Rights Reserved
All content in this video, including but not limited to visuals, audio, narration, script, music, performances, and editing, constitutes the exclusive intellectual property of this channel and is fully protected under applicable copyright laws and YouTube’s Terms of Service. Any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, re-uploading, modification, or commercial use, whether in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action, including copyright strikes, takedown notices, and claims for damages. Use by media, news agencies, or third parties is permitted only with prior written authorization and proper attribution.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Prahallad Natak is a traditional musical theatre form that originated in the Ganjam district of Odisha, India. It is one of the most significant folk-classical dramatic traditions of southern Odisha and has been performed for more than a century in villages and rural cultural spaces. The form combines music, dance, dialogue, ritual, and spectacle, making it a unique expression of Odia cultural heritage.

The origins of Prahallad Natak date back to the 19th century, during the period of royal patronage in the Ganjam region. The original text of the play is attributed to Gopinath Parichha, composed under the patronage of Raja Ramakrishna Chhotaraya of Jalantara. Manuscripts of the text were preserved in major libraries and later safeguarded by the Government of Odisha, reflecting its cultural importance.

The story of Prahallad Natak is based on the mythological tale of Prahlada, the young devotee of Lord Vishnu, and his father Hiranyakashipu, a powerful demon king. The drama portrays the conflict between devotion and tyranny, culminating in the appearance of Lord Narasimha, the man-lion incarnation of Vishnu, who destroys evil and restores dharma. The narrative emphasizes themes of faith, courage, righteousness, and divine justice.

Prahallad Natak is traditionally performed in open-air stages on specially constructed platforms and often lasts several hours, sometimes extending through the night. Music plays a central role, with performances incorporating numerous songs based on Odissi ragas, accompanied by classical percussion and traditional instruments. The cast is large, with elaborate costumes, makeup, and masks—especially the iconic Narasimha mask.

Once widely performed by over a hundred troupes in Ganjam, the number of active groups has declined in recent decades due to social and economic changes. Despite these challenges, Prahallad Natak remains a living cultural tradition, representing the spiritual depth, artistic richness, and historical legacy of Odisha.