Jatin Das Centre of Arts (JDCA) organised its 177th ‘Meet the Artist’ programme in its premises on Saturday. Attending as the chief speaker, famous litterateur and editor of Odia monthly “Paurusha” Asit Mohanty gave presentation on topic “Art and Craft in the Rituals of lord Jagannath.” Though he is from literature background, he has done extensive research on the rituals and artists associated with lord Jagannath. He discussed all the rituals connected with Jagannath cult and Nabakalebara and role of the artists in the rituals.
He said about Rupakara Sevak, Chitrakara Sevak and Daraji Sevak and their contributions towards rituals of lord Jagannath. Chitrakara Sevak paints on the different parts of the chariots and on others things used in the Shreemandir, whereas Rupakara Sevak gives shape to the objects like parrots, wheels, etc fixed in the chariot. Daraji Sevak is the artist who works on the costumes, stitches and does appliqué works on the clothes used in the temple and chariot, etc.
One cannot have the Darshan of lord Jagannath for the entire period of Mahaanasara during the period of Nabakalebar; so the devotees can have their Darshan of the Patta Dian that is the replica of the lords which are also painted by the artists and worshiped and presented for the Darshan of the general public, Mohanty informed. Mohanty also described about the procedure of collecting and making colours for Patta Dian.
Even the Agyan Maala, which is the work order of Jagannath temple, is also made by an artist, he added. Mohanty is a well known translator and author of several books. He is presently doing research on the cultural triangle of Odisha.
Among others, Arabind Behera, Abasara Beuria, Ramahari Jena, Biren Das and Ramakrushna Vedala were present.