Jagannath temple engages different categories of Sevakas who offer their services on the Ratha. These temple traditions have native and tribal elements as Odisha is a state with Tribal majority which have been living there since times immemorial. These services are unique because of their mores.
Dahuka :
Dahuka is one servant of the temple. Ratha Dahuka Bolis are poetic recitations. Ratha Yatra being a symbolic expression of fertility and Life cycle, these "boli" sung by the Dahuka contain bawdy songs. It is believed that unless the Dahukaboli is sung 'Ratha' does not move. These songs are sung publicly without any kind of hold on the lyrics. Dahuka controls the movement of Ratha during the festival.
Banati Players
Banati is an age-old art, in which a person spins balls set on fire and tied to the ends of a rope. Every year during the Rath Yatra devotees perform "Banati" to appease Lord Jagannath. Knives and fireballs, which are attached to the Banati add colour to the procession of the Lord as it reaches its destination.
Services and traditions at Puri Rath yatra of Jagannath Temple would remind you of long preserved traditions and tribal elements in rituals performed as it is originally a Folk Tradition of worship.
Maha Rath Yatra 2018 is going to be a long lasting impression on your mind. So don’t miss the opportunity and avail it as soon as possible with us!!!