For all Oriyas, rath yatra is always associated with the bhajans of legendary singers such as Nimai Harichandan, Bhikari Bal and Md Sikandar Alam. Though their beautiful recital of the devotional numbers still do the rounds during the car festival, their absence creates a deep void in the hearts of their fans.

Orissa’s Bhajan Samrat Bhikari Bal’s demise last year was a great loss for the devotees of Lord Jagannath. For more than four decades, Bal’s numerous touching bhajans, devotional songs and timeless compositions were solace for many.

His lucid and moving rendition of bhajans written by older generation poets such as Gopalkrushna, Dinakrushna, Baldev, Banamali and Salabega are some of his evergreen songs that are highly popular even today.

His recital of Jagannath bhajans and Gita Govinda made him a household name. He had sung more than 20,000 songs, including those in 28 Oriya films. Prana mitani bareh chahan re written by Loknath Patnaik, Bal’s first song aired on radio is hummed by devotees even today. But Kotha bhoga khia is probably the most loved bhajan by the legendary singer.

Bal was given special privileges on the temple premises for his devotional tribute to Lord Jagannath. He was also taken to be one of the servitors of the temple for having offered the Chamara seba to Lord Jagannath.

A single song of a Oriya movie changed the life of a young singer whose career graph soared to new heights. The song Arata sure bare kare minati re not only became a hit number on the Grand Road of Puri during 1959-60, but made Md Sikandar Alam a household name.

Of course, many more beautiful songs such as Sei nila pari deshe (film Surjyamukhi) and Akhi bhara e suhaga kaha kaha kahinki (film Manikajodi) followed, but the memory of Arata sure bare kare minati re was mesmerising.

Whether it was with the song Ahe Nilagiri or Patita pabana bana au kete belaku, the singer had many special experiences with Lord Jagannath. The day when he recorded a song for Him, Alam never took non-vegetarian food.

But many listeners and music lovers had asked him how, being a Muslim, he could sing such songs filled with devotion and love. To them his simple reply was: “Whenever I sing a bhajan for Lord Jagannath, I think the Almighty is with me. I never believed in restricting religion to symbolism as for me it is a greater thing and in surrendering to the Almighty with devotion, the best way is to sing for Him with your heart.”

Renowned singer and Padma awardee Nimai Harichandan was perhaps the first Oriya professional singer who was revered for his moving devotional songs.

Even though he has died more 25 years ago, the maestro had given a new dimension to Jagannath bhajans with his songs such as Bohu chanli na janai lo pada paduthai banka, Bhaja mana saburi dukha hara hariki, Bibhushana pushpe jaa kanti jana and Dhira ghena kananare Krushna bilambita.

With a typical voice, great musical abilities and soulful involvement, Nimai Harichandan was widely accepted by thousands of Oriyas for the portrayal of the Lord of the Universe as Kalia Thakura. He was at ease with Odissi, folk, champu and chhanda.

Devotional music and songs still hold importance during religious festivities. In fact, the music industry of Orissa thrives on religious music albums. To mark rath yatra, music albums in the praise of Lord Jagannath can be seen flooding the market. However, there has been a sea change in the composition when it comes to the lyrics, music and rendition.

Eminent singers such as Nimai Harichandan, Bhikari Bal, Prafulla Kar, Shantilata Barik and many others had always made sure to render bhajans with the typical flavour of Odissi music. This tradition was continued in albums made during the 90s when bhajans sung by Mumbai-based singers such as Anuradha Paudwal, Sonu Nigam and Suresh Wadkar became very popular.

Today, the bhajans are written by new age lyricists and have a completely different feel. The popular singers are Namita Agarwal, Md Aziz, Basant Patra and others.

“The videos are taking all the attention of those who produce bhajans these days. Classical touch in the music and ancient poetry is completely missing. I feel the emotional bond with the Lord is missing in the albums,” said veteran musician Prafulla Kar.

This season, bhajan albums based on Jagannath such as Manima, Sri Nadighosha and many more can be found at all music stores in the city. Video CDs of these albums are also thronging the market for the grand festival.