Curtains close on 2024-25 jatra season in Odisha; Piyush Tripathy stares at uncertain future amid stirring farewell show

Jatra lovers witnessed an emotional conclusion to the 2024–25 jatra season as eminent actor Piyush Tripathy delivered his final performance of the year amidst thunderous applause and teary farewells.

A year marked by controversy

Piyush, a towering name in Odisha’s jatra circuit, had announced to remain absent from the stage for the next jatra season, citing health issues after becoming embroiled in a dispute with two major Jatra parties. 

Piyush had reportedly accepted advance payments totalling around Rs 70 lakh along with a luxury vehicle from Jatra Singha Bahini for the 2025–26 season. He had also taken the same amount from the Surjya Mandira jatra party for the same jatra season, leading to a contractual deadlock.

Owing to the controversy, Piyush had formally withdrawn from active participation in jatra, citing health issues. He had informed the Jatra Owners' Association of a year-long break.

Electric performance, emotional goodbye

Last night at Mendhasal, near Bhubaneswar, the final show of the season unfolded under vibrant lights and a packed audience. Piyush delivered a powerful performance in the play 'Tate Lagijau Mo Aayusha', staged by the Surjya Mandira Jatra party. As the drama reached its emotional climax, so did the atmosphere backstage, where fellow artistes and crew members were reportedly seen overwhelmed, some even pleading with him not to leave the stage for a year.

Actor appeals for reconsideration

In a heartfelt appeal, Piyush has now requested the Jatra owners to reconsider his position and allow him to return in the next season. Many artistes have reportedly supported the plea, urging management to forgive past complications and welcome back the noted performer.

"Many artistes have committed mistakes in the past, and there is room for correction. In this case, the artiste is getting deprived of their art directly and indirectly. If the jatra party owners are claiming that they are like father figures of the artistes, they must realise that under what circumstances their son has said that he will remain at home for one year as he is ill. The real fact is-he (Piyush) is healthy and he is acting brilliantly. I request all the jatra owners not to deprive an actor of his acting," said Silu, a jatra artiste.

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"Piyush is like my younger brother. I am not able to accept the fact that he will remain at home without jatra performance. He has been acting brilliantly and because of him, jatra has got a new audience," said Bhikari Swain, another jatra artiste.

Uncertain future ahead

With rehearsals for the 2025–26 season set to begin from June 20 across various Jatra party 'akhadashalas' (camps) in Odisha, all eyes are now on the Jatra Owners’ Association. Their decision will determine whether Piyush takes to the stage once more—or if Odisha’s theatre world has truly witnessed the final bow of one of its most compelling performers.

"Piyush will definitely be with us in 2025-26 jatra session," said Bankim Swain, Manager of Surjya Mandira Jatra party.

"If the jatra party owners want, I will continue my acting. I request the jatra party owners' association to consider the artistes' requests and take a decision accordingly. I had a wish to remain at Surjya Mandira. I am hopeful that a proper decision will be taken in this regard," said Piyush Tripathy.