The Secret God In The Forest

Drums, cymbals, trumpets… It is the festive day of the Ratha Jatra at Puri and Pria wonders why the idols of Jagannatha, Subhadra and Balabhadra are unlike other gods. That’s how Jagannatha looked when he lived deep in the forest, her grandmother tells her. And so starts a story of Nilamadhaba, the secret god of the Sabaras. Central to this is the dynamic nature of myths that often travel from the margins to the mainstream, carrying their own distinctive stamp. Stylised illustrations add a contemporary touch while perfectly capturing the colour, drama and atmosphere of the traditional tale.