BHARATA LEELA: A POPULAR FOLK THEATRE FORM OF GANJAM

Bharata Leela is a vibrant folk theatre tradition of Odisha, primarily associated with the Ganjam district. This form of folk theatre draws its thematic inspiration from The Mahabharata, with special focus on the Subhadra Parinaya (Madhya Parva) episode. Although it is deeply rooted in the cultural landscape of Ganjam, historical evidence suggests that Bharata Leela was originated from Rangoon (present-day Yangon, Myanmar) during the nineteenth century, later traveling back to Odisha through the efforts of migrant Odia laborers. This article examines the origin, denominations, and gradual development of Bharata Leela, highlighting its transformation from a rustic entertainment to a refined folk theatre tradition enriched with Odia literary, musical, and performative elements.