Jatra gets too real: Spectators hurl water bottles at actors during Laxmi Puja stage play in Angul

A traditional theatrical performance held during the Laxmi Puja yatra in the Athmallik block of Angul district saw several spectators hurling water bottles and verbally abusing the actors on stage.

The incident occurred late at night as villagers gathered to watch the jatra, a customary drama presentation depicting social and family narratives.

Dramatic Scenes Trigger Strong Reactions

According to sources, during one scene, the protagonist, played by the main actor, forcibly takes his mother to an old-age home.

The enactment reportedly provoked anger among audience members, who reacted by shouting at the actors and throwing objects, including water bottles, toward the stage. Witnesses confirmed that the lead actor continued performing despite the disruptions, maintaining his role throughout the scene.

Audience and Performance Dynamics

Villagers attending the yatra were reportedly immersed in the performance, with some becoming physically expressive in their disapproval.

Additional scenes depicting a mother sending her daughters away due to threats from local troublemakers also drew strong reactions from spectators, who threw bottles and vocally expressed their anger. According to reports, the crowd’s responses were driven by the emotional intensity of the enacted situations.

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Aftermath and Social Media Attention

No injuries were reported during the performance, confirmed sources. The incident has drawn attention online, with video footage circulating widely on social media. Local residents noted that while the reactions were intense, the jatra continued as planned, and performers completed the event without further escalation.