Curtain of Hardship: Socio-Economic Realities of Jatra Practitioners in Odisha

Abstract

Traditional performing arts such as dance, music, and folk theatre have historically anchored rural Indian society, serving as both cultural expression and livelihood sustenance. This article aims to critically examine the lived experiences of Jatra practitioners in Odisha, a predominantly migratory and informally employed community within the performing arts sector. The analysis examines vulnerabilities and coping strategies of the community amid unforeseen shocks. The methodology consist of telephonic interviews conducted during the pandemic and a nine-month ethnographic study thereafter, supplemented by secondary data from print, electronic, and digital media. The findings reveal systemic socio-economic insecurity, exacerbated by inadequate social protection mechanisms. The absence of official data on Jatra workers remains a critical barrier to informed policy formulation. The study highlights the urgent need for a baseline socio-economic survey for inclusive, evidence-based interventions such as artist registration, wage regulation, universal healthcare access, skill development, gender-equity mechanisms, and investment in cultural infrastructure.