The Vanishing Art of 'Pothi Bacha' in Rural Odisha: Oral Storytelling as a Sacred Tradition

Abstract

In rural Odisha, the "Pothi Bacha"(Oral version of palm leaf manuscript) tradition is an age-old oral storytelling technique with strong roots in spiritual and cultural legacy.  Storytellers were essential to the preservation of knowledge, history, and religious teachings because they narrated sacred texts, epics, and regional folklore (Mohanty 2008).  However, this rich oral tradition is in danger of being extinct due to the development of modern technology and shifting social structures (Das 2020). This study aims to document the historical development, socio-cultural significance, and decline of Pothi Bacha. It also seeks to explore the factors contributing to its decline and propose viable strategies for its revival. The research is based on secondary sources, including scholarly publications, online archives, and government reports (Government of Odisha, 2019). Key findings highlight the dwindling number of practitioners, shifts in audience preferences, and the challenges of sustaining oral traditions in contemporary society (Mishra 2015). The paper proposes revitalization strategies such as community-led initiatives, digital documentation, and educational integration to ensure the survival of this storytelling art form.