Ranapa

Understand

Where Ranapa comes from

Ranapa (literally 'battle-step', from rana meaning battle) is the stilt-dance of Odisha, traditionally associated with the theatrical presentation of the Ramayana (the Ram Leela) and with the worship of Maheshwar (a form of Shiva). Ranapa has been documented as part of the dance-craft traditions of the Bhuiyan, Khandayat and Chasa communities of Mayurbhanj, Puri and Cuttack, and is performed in the temple courtyards at Ram Leela festivals. The form is also associated with the dance-festival cycle at the temple of Lord Jagannath at Puri, where it is performed by young men of the hereditary-singer castes (Maharis / Goti communities).

How it's practiced

Ranapa is performed by young men who stand and walk on long wooden stilts (often 4 to 6 feet in height) while acting out scenes from the Ramayana — the procession of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana, the battle with Ravana and the slaying of the demon king. The stilts are strapped to the dancer's legs at the thigh and foot, and the dancers are trained to walk, run and even fight mock combat on the stilts. Music is the bamboo flute (bansuri), the shehnai and the small drum, with the rhythm supporting the dancers' procession. Costume is the bright theatrical dress of the chosen character — Ravana in elaborate crown, Rama with bow and quiver — ornamented with the traditional Odia jewellery. The performance is staged at the Ram Leela and at temple festivals during the month of Chaitra.