Pala (folk art)

Pala is a cultural folk ballad form of Odisha, derived from Sanskrit and Odia literature. It is performed by a group of five or six people, consisting of a 'gayaka' (main singer), a 'bayaka' (drummer), and a 'palia' (chorus). The gayaka has a 'chamara' (fly-whisk) in his left hand, which he flourishes, and a pair of cymbals in his right hand. He narrates episodes from Puranic texts, punctuated with explanations. The chorus dance in small rhythmical steps along with the gayaka.