File picture of the Danduas during Dhuli Danda in old Berhampur

Berhampur, March 14: For nearly 20,000 Danduas (practitioners of a folk art) in Ganjam district, performing severe penance to appease Shiv and Shakti is more important than casting vote in the coming elections.

The Danduas would take part in their three-week long annual festival Danda Nata between March 25 and April 14. During that period, since they would have to stay away from their houses to go through penance, taking part in the polling on April 10 is highly unlikely for them.

Ananta Ram Kar, a researcher, said the Danduas’ self-inflict punishment is an unbelievable torture to appease Shiv and Shakti. They observe a strict life during the entire period. There is not even a remote chance of them going to a polling booth to cast their votes,” Kar said.

“The Danduas, who live near temples or fields during that period, do not even visit their villages even in cases of emergencies such as deaths. From morning to midnight they spend a strict lifestyle,” Kar said.

Danda Nata is observed in various parts of Ganjam, including Dharakote, Patapur, Digapahandi, Sorada, Bhanjanagar, Belaguntha, Berhampur and Chhatrapur.

Dhobani Das of Narayanpur village near Gopalpur said her son would not cast his vote this time. “Kalia will join a Danda Nata group, and I doubt if he will be able to take part in the polling,” she said.

During the festival, the Danduas stay away from their dear ones to concentrate on worshipping. They move out from their stay in the morning, beating drums and blowing conch and trumpet.

The performers move in rows with red and yellow flags and local people seek their blessings.

The Danduas move around in groups of 13 to over 500 and dance in front of houses of persons, who invite them. They wear yellow and saffron robes and can be seen rolling on dust at midday with drums being beaten in the background.

The dance at midday is called Dhuli Danda, while that performed in ponds in the evening is called Pani Danda. Walking on fire at midnight is known as Agni Danda. The Danduas eat only once a day at midnight and do not sleep at night during the festival.

“They do so with a belief that their wishes will be fulfilled if they torture their body,” Kar said.

Historians trace the cult’s origin to 8th to 9th century AD when Tantrism had a deep influence. Abhinava Chandrika, a literary work of 1568, mentions about Danda Yatra.