In the 1970s and 1980s, entertainment options were relatively scarce for the general public. The lack of alternatives led people to flock to the only available source of free time. For some, it was a circus; for many, it was the Jatra. Jatra is the typical odia word for the English term Opera.
Operas about mythical, Socio-political, and social issues were once performed in open-air theaters. They were held under the stars and accompanied by musical numbers. These performances also included elaborate decorative arrangements. Various opera houses and Jatra Parties once hosted public shows.
Anandpur town was the primary hub for business and communication for the nearby villagers. Thus, organizing an opera for the city’s residents and surrounding villages presented a significant business opportunity for the opera owners. Many opera owners made their way to Anandpur for entertainment. The townspeople’s enthusiasm to see an opera was palpable.
Maa said the arrival of opera people in the town was a moment in her time. Every time, the kids ran behind the opera trucks. They wanted to catch a glimpse of what the opera party was playing in town. The adults discussed mythical or social play among family members. It was a win-win event for everybody. Maa remembered running behind the truck during a tuition break to learn the opera’s name. Later, she was caught, but the childish notion was worth doing.
A designated place was always available for the opera in the town. Before the show, a rare competition broke out among the kids to secure a front-row seat. Kids placed handkerchiefs, towels, and bags in the front rows to mark “dips” on those seats. A few times, the kids also fought over this seating arrangement. Adults or older members of the family used to mediate to stop the war.
Like any general place, Opera Place was also full of mischief and thieves. Pickpockets were active during nighttime performances. As a result, many respectable families preferred not to attend the plays. Instead, they sat in the dark to enjoy the show. There were many restrictions on the girls, as safety was paramount at the time.
Despite such warnings, Maa and her friends often attended operas as they grew up. The magic of the show drew them recklessly. The girls sneaked out of their homes after their family members had fallen asleep. They met at an earlier agreed-upon place. Then, they would go to the opera. They returned to their homes unnoticed before dawn. Afterward, they slept, behaving as if nothing had happened. It was the group’s modus operandi. During one of her shenanigans, a relative of Maa’s caught her. The relative happened to be in the opera house. It was a memorable night of defiance, recklessness, and humiliation!
In summary, the Jatra was the beacon for many activities in Anandpur. People would run behind the trucks to learn the opera’s name. Others would sneak out to enjoy the show. These were hints of unembellished enjoyment. Such experiences are remembered for a lifetime.
The Witty Stride 