The historic princely state of Sonepur, now the Subarnapur district in Odisha, comes alive every year with the revered tradition of the Balijatra festival. This celebration weaves together folk music and spiritual mysticism, creating a unique cultural spectacle. At the heart of the festivities lies the mesmerizing sound of traditional instruments, particularly the sacred Chepata Dhol. This unique drum, a partially damaged dholak, has been central to the festival for generations. 
The Balijatra is a tantric ceremony filled with sound and spirituality. The chief drum beater, known as the Pata Dholia, plays the Chepata Dholak using 16 distinct rhythms. These rhythms are called Sohala Barni Badya. The powerful, majestic beats help channel divine energy into the bodies of the ritual's participants, the Barua or Kalisi. The community believes the instrument embodies the essence of Goddess Khambeswari, filling the air with a sacred sound.
However, a miracle occurred. Despite the river's strong currents and floodwaters, the drum did not wash away. By the next morning, it had returned to the same ghat. That night, the king had a prophetic dream. Guided by this vision, he retrieved the drum from the river. He then had it repaired using astha Dhatu, a sacred blend of eight metals.
After restoring and worshipping the instrument, the king presented it to the Pata Dholia. He entrusted them with its care. Since that day, the Pata Dholia's family has preserved the partially damaged Chepata Dhol in their home. They worship it and play it during the Balijatra, which coincides with the Dussehra festival.
The district of Subarnapur, also called Sonepur, is often known as the "Second Varanasi of India" due to its many architecturally significant temples and strong tantric traditions . This area is a cultural soul of Odisha, rich with faith and heritage . The Balijatra festival is a key part of this vibrant cultural identity.
As the festival culminates on the Aswina full moon day, the unique beat of the Chepata Dholak continues to echo through the streets. Its sound invokes a divine presence and captivates all devotees who hear it. The legacy of this ancient instrument and the mysticism it represents thrive due to the unwavering dedication of the Pata Dholia and the entire community.
The Balijatra is a tantric ceremony filled with sound and spirituality. The chief drum beater, known as the Pata Dholia, plays the Chepata Dholak using 16 distinct rhythms. These rhythms are called Sohala Barni Badya. The powerful, majestic beats help channel divine energy into the bodies of the ritual's participants, the Barua or Kalisi. The community believes the instrument embodies the essence of Goddess Khambeswari, filling the air with a sacred sound.
The Legend of the Miraculous Drum
A popular local legend explains the origin of the Chepata Dhol. The story says a princess from Khemundi brought the drum as a gift during the reign of the Chauhan dynasty. Over time, the dholak aged and broke. The people immersed the damaged instrument in the Mahanadi River at Dasamati Ghat as part of a ritual.However, a miracle occurred. Despite the river's strong currents and floodwaters, the drum did not wash away. By the next morning, it had returned to the same ghat. That night, the king had a prophetic dream. Guided by this vision, he retrieved the drum from the river. He then had it repaired using astha Dhatu, a sacred blend of eight metals.
After restoring and worshipping the instrument, the king presented it to the Pata Dholia. He entrusted them with its care. Since that day, the Pata Dholia's family has preserved the partially damaged Chepata Dhol in their home. They worship it and play it during the Balijatra, which coincides with the Dussehra festival.
A Living Cultural Tradition
The current Pata Dholia, Anand Barik, helps keep this history alive by sharing the significance of the Chepata Dhol. The instrument remains vital to the Sonepur Mahabali Jatra. To this day, the unbroken tradition continues where devotees receive darshan of Devi Khambeswari appearing in the form of the Kalisi or Barua.The district of Subarnapur, also called Sonepur, is often known as the "Second Varanasi of India" due to its many architecturally significant temples and strong tantric traditions . This area is a cultural soul of Odisha, rich with faith and heritage . The Balijatra festival is a key part of this vibrant cultural identity.
As the festival culminates on the Aswina full moon day, the unique beat of the Chepata Dholak continues to echo through the streets. Its sound invokes a divine presence and captivates all devotees who hear it. The legacy of this ancient instrument and the mysticism it represents thrive due to the unwavering dedication of the Pata Dholia and the entire community.
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