Ghantapatua
Ghantapatuas are traditional male folk dancers from the Indian state of Odisha. They work as temple servants or in the temple of the Goddess. They belong to the Bhopa or Raula caste.
Etymology
The name comes from Oriya words used in Jagannath temple and the goddess temples of Odisha, and .Ghata
The is an earthen pitcher filled with holy water kept on a wooden stand cemented by mud, vermilion and above it a flower-clad made up of coconut leaf sticks with flower hangings which represents the Goddess they worship.Ghanta
The is the main accompanying instrument.Dance
The dance is an offering to the goddesses Sarala, Hingula, Charchika, Bhagabati, Mangala and Chandi as servants.The dance normally includes two to four men. One, the dresses as the Goddess and is the bearer and dancer. The others beat the and are called.
The keeps the on his head. He dances without touching it and with tied to each leg.
After the dance they distribute sacred bel leaves and vermilion to the public. People offer them money, rice, vegetables, coconut, and that they later distribute among themselves.