Odisha Sankirtan Tradition Helps Fight Fires

Odisha's Songbird Solution: Ancient Chants Enlisted to Combat Raging Wildfires

In the verdant, yet increasingly vulnerable, landscapes of eastern India, an innovative alliance is forming. Here, the centuries-old cadences of devotional songs are emerging as an unlikely but potent weapon in the escalating battle against forest fires. As Odisha grapples with a surge in wildfires, officials are looking beyond modern technology, turning to the deeply embedded cultural heritage of Sankirtan singing troupes to spread crucial messages of prevention and conservation. This unique approach sees resilient village women, traditionally the quiet pillars of their communities, now taking centre stage, their voices carrying not just melodies of devotion, but urgent calls to protect their ancestral forests.

The initiative highlights a fascinating intersection of tradition and contemporary crisis management. While the state employs sophisticated tools like AI-powered cameras and satellite imaging to track and combat blazes, the persuasive power of song, resonating in local dialects and rooted in shared spiritual beliefs, offers a distinct and complementary pathway to community engagement. This blend of ancient wisdom and modern strategy underscores a growing recognition that effective environmental stewardship requires both technological prowess and the profound influence of cultural practices. As these women-led troupes traverse their villages, their songs aim to extinguish the threat of fire, one heartfelt verse at a time.

The Scorching Reality: Odisha's Wildfire Crisis Intensifies

Odisha faces an increasingly severe threat from forest fires. The state's Forest Department data reveals a worrying trend. In early 2024, Odisha recorded a significant number of forest fire points. By February 2025, officials reported over 3,100 fire points, successfully containing the vast majority. However, the scale remains concerning. In 2023, fires affected 9,550 hectares, a decrease from previous peaks but still substantial. The year 2024 saw 4,067 hectares impacted by 22,868 reported incidents. This represents a significant challenge, even if below the figure exceeding 4,500 hectares affected in the fire season described in initial reports from early 2025, which itself was an increase from approximately 4,000 hectares the previous year. Rising temperatures globally exacerbate this crisis, making dry deciduous forests particularly susceptible.

The peak fire season in Odisha typically occurs in March and April. Traditional practices, such as burning fallen plant matter in the belief it benefits the soil, can unintentionally lead to widespread conflagrations, especially during heatwaves. These incidents not only destroy vast tracts of precious woodland but also severely impact the biodiversity and livelihoods dependent on these ecosystems. The state’s forests, rich in flora and fauna, are vital carbon sinks and sources of sustenance for many communities. The increasing frequency and intensity of these fires demand urgent and multifaceted solutions.

Technology and Tradition: A United Front Against Flames

Forest officials in Odisha are deploying a combination of modern technology and traditional outreach to combat the escalating wildfire menace. Advanced tools like AI-based cameras provide early detection, capable of identifying fires within minutes and distinguishing them from other light sources up to 20 kilometres away. This is a significant improvement over satellite-based alerts that previously had a delay of three to four hours. Information gathered from satellites continues to be crucial for assessing the scale of fires. The Forest Survey of India (FSI) uses remote sensing technology to monitor forest cover and fire incidents nationwide. These technological advancements are essential for rapid response and resource deployment.

Alongside these high-tech measures, authorities recognise the profound impact of community engagement. This understanding has led to the enlistment of Sankirtan mandalis, groups performing spiritual songs and dances. A key forest official in the Keonjhar district, Dhanraj Hanumant Dhamdhere, highlighted the challenge of dousing faster-spreading fires due to rising temperatures. He initiated the participation of eighty spiritual collectives, acknowledging the strong cultural presence of these troupes in rural Odisha and the deep religious faith of the populace. This dual approach aims to create a comprehensive defence against forest fires.

Sankirtan's Echo: Women Revive an Ancient Art Form

Sankirtan, a devotional performance art involving song and dance, has its historical roots in the 1400s, significantly influenced by the Bhakti movement and figures like Chaitanya Mahaprabhu from West Bengal. Traditionally, these troupes, or 'mandalis', comprised men playing instruments such as cymbals and drums, including the mridangam, while singing praises to deities, particularly Lord Krishna. Women, in that era, rarely participated in public performances, their roles largely confined to observing from the periphery. The tradition became deeply woven into the social and religious fabric of Odisha, with performances integral to festivals, ceremonies like births and weddings, and daily village life.

However, with changing socio-economic landscapes, including significant male migration from villages to cities for work, many Sankirtan mandalis became inactive or nearly defunct. Witnessing this decline, women in villages like Murgapahadi, Keonjhar district, took the initiative to revive this cherished tradition. Approximately two solar cycles prior to early 2025, females from Murgapahadi established their personal ensemble, a significant shift in a traditionally male domain, driven by a desire to keep their cultural heritage alive. This resurgence, with women often at the helm, caught the attention of government agencies.

Image Credit - The Guardian

Pramila Pradhan: Leading Murgapahadi's Melodious Guardians

Pramila Pradhan, a 35-year-old woman from Murgapahadi village, stands at the forefront of this cultural and environmental movement. She leads the local Sankirtan troupe, a group instrumental in the revival of the art form in their community. Pramila recounted how the movement of male inhabitants from their community to urban centers such as Hyderabad and also to Bengaluru for factory work led to the traditional, male-dominated Sankirtan mandali nearing collapse. She stated their collective resolution was its revitalization. Her troupe, comprising 17 members, with females constituting nine members, initially met the forest department's proposal in January 2025 with a mixture of curiosity and understandable hesitation.

Tasked with a poem by forestry officials, the women skillfully set it to a rhythmic tune. The very next morning, they embarked on a mission. Walking through their village, their voices conveyed a potent plea. They urged their dear sisters and brothers to listen, imploring them not to ignite the woodland. The song emphasized that human survival is linked to the forest's endurance, which in turn fosters a beneficial atmosphere. This direct, culturally resonant appeal, delivered by familiar faces within the community, demonstrates the unique strength of this initiative. Pramila Pradhan’s leadership exemplifies how local women are becoming pivotal figures in conservation efforts.

Songs of Safeguard: Crafting Awareness Through Chorus

The Sankirtan troupes transform environmental directives into easily understood and enjoyable performances. Forest officials provide the core message, often in poetic form, which the women then adapt, setting the words to traditional rhythms and melodies. This collaborative process ensures the songs are not only informative but also culturally appropriate and engaging for the local populace. The troupes, singing in regional tongues, enhance the accessibility and connection people feel to the message. Their performances, already a beloved part of village life, now carry an additional layer of social responsibility, making the crucial advice on fire prevention more palatable and memorable than standard official announcements.

The content of these songs is direct and evocative. They appeal to a shared sense of community and dependence on the forest, urging villagers to abandon harmful practices like setting fire to fallen leaves. By framing conservation as essential for collective survival and a healthy climate, the songs resonate deeply. The familiar medium of Sankirtan, traditionally used for spiritual expression, lends an inherent trustworthiness and emotional weight to the environmental appeal. This creative approach bypasses potential resistance to external directives, fostering a sense of shared purpose in protecting their natural heritage.

Official Endorsement: The Impact of Musical Advocacy

Forest department officials have observed tangible benefits from enlisting these devotional troupes. Dhanraj Hanumant Dhamdhere, who holds the position of Deputy Conservator of Forests within Keonjhar district, reported a notable decrease, between twenty and thirty percent, in fire occurrences within certain localities where Sankirtan mandalis actively spread awareness. Among these successes is the Ghatagaon woodland area, which includes Murgapahadi village. Dhamdhere, who has a background in agriculture and plant genetics, and has been instrumental in various afforestation and community sensitisation projects, recognised the unique potential of these cultural groups. He observed the deep religious faith among Odisha's inhabitants and that presentations in regional tongues are readily comprehended and appreciated, fostering a stronger connection with the message.

Omprakash Jena, a protector of the woodlands, also confirmed this approach's success. He noted that village inhabitants pay close attention to the Sankirtan performing groups and tend to follow their guidance. Jena specifically credited Pramila Pradhan’s collective for the remarkably few woodland infernos in their vicinity during the summer of 2024; their locality was responsible for merely twenty-six out of the six hundred blazes within the Keonjhar administrative area. This grassroots strategy, leveraging cultural capital, is proving to be a valuable complement to technological interventions in fire management. The Odisha Forest Department actively supports such community involvement as part of its broader conservation strategy.

Migration's Mark: An Unforeseen Catalyst for Female Leadership

The socio-economic fabric of rural Odisha, a region facing significant economic hurdles within India, is significantly shaped by migration. Large numbers of men depart from their home villages, aiming for employment within city hubs and industrial plants in places like Hyderabad and additionally Bengaluru. This outflow of the male population, while driven by economic necessity, has had profound, often unintended, consequences on village life and traditional institutions. One such consequence was the decline of male-centric Sankirtan mandalis, which, Pramila Pradhan detailed, had become nearly inactive.

This vacuum, however, created an opportunity for women to step forward. Throughout numerous villages, as these cultural ensembles started to experience a renewal, with females often leading the charge, women took the initiative to revive them. This resurgence was not merely about preserving a cultural art form; it became a pathway for women to assume new roles and visibility within their communities. Government agencies, observing this organic, women-led revival, astutely recognised a chance to engage these newly energised groups for broader social causes, including environmental awareness. The migration phenomenon thus inadvertently paved the way for female empowerment and innovative community engagement.

Quantifiable Progress: Fire Incidents Dwindle with Song

The introduction of Sankirtan mandalis into forest fire prevention strategies appears to be yielding positive results. Officials like Dhanraj Hanumant Dhamdhere have noted a discernible decrease in fire occurrences in specific regions following the troupes' engagement. He indicated a fall of twenty to thirty percent regarding such events in particular zones. This suggests that the culturally tailored awareness campaigns are effectively influencing local behaviour regarding practices that can lead to wildfires. The Ghatagaon woodland area, where Pramila Pradhan's active troupe resides in Murgapahadi, exemplifies this achievement.

Forest guard Omprakash Jena’s testimony further supports these claims. He attributed the significantly lower number of forest fires in their operational area—their zone of operation accounted for just twenty-six blazes from a total of six hundred across the whole Keonjhar administrative area during the summer of 2024—to the efforts of Pradhan's troupe. While a comprehensive, state-wide statistical analysis correlating Sankirtan activity with fire reduction is an ongoing process, these initial reports from field officers are encouraging. They highlight the potential of community-based, culturally sensitive approaches to achieve measurable outcomes in environmental protection, complementing more conventional enforcement and technological methods.

Harmonising Efforts: Mandalis Champion Broader Causes

The influence of Sankirtan mandalis is extending beyond the critical issue of forest fire prevention. Dibakar Patra, president of the Shree Jagannath Kala Sanskruti Sankirtan Seba Bikas Parishad, an umbrella organisation for these troupes in Odisha, confirms this expanding role. He states that there are approximately 20,000 such devotional troupes in Odisha, and among this number, a minimum of one thousand consist entirely of female performers – a testament to the significant revival and adaptation of the tradition. Traditionally, these groups performed at religious festivals, significant life events such as births, sacred thread investitures, and nuptial celebrations.

Patra observed a transformation, stating that presently, the administration aims to utilize their capabilities more effectively. This indicates a growing recognition by authorities of the troupes' potent communication capabilities. Consequently, these Sankirtan mandalis have now been enlisted for other vital social awareness campaigns. Besides forest fire education, they are actively involved in promoting rural water conservation awareness. This diversification underscores the versatility and deep community connection of the Sankirtan tradition, positioning it as a valuable partner in addressing a range of pressing rural development and environmental challenges.

The Larger Canvas: Climate Change and Industrial Impact

While the Sankirtan initiative offers a localised solution, it operates against a backdrop of formidable environmental challenges in Odisha. The region is directly confronting severe repercussions from the changing climate, experiencing rising temperatures that intensify wildfire risks. Beyond the immediate threat of fires, extensive mining operations and polluting industries significantly impact the landscape, particularly in districts like Keonjhar and Angul. Furthermore, industrial operations recognized for their polluting effects, encompassing coal extraction, steel manufacturing, and aluminum production, are prominent features on the terrain in both the Keonjhar and the Angul administrative areas, all adding to atmospheric discharges that warm the globe. The expansion of these industries often occurs in proximity to forested areas, increasing pressure on delicate ecosystems.

This industrial activity contributes to deforestation and biodiversity loss, threatening the state's rich natural heritage, which includes significant forest cover and diverse wildlife sanctuaries like Simlipal National Park. The Forest Survey of India reports show fluctuations in forest cover, with gains in some areas but losses in others, sometimes in tribal districts affected by industrialisation. Environmental activists express concern that while communities are mobilised for awareness, the root causes of environmental stress, including industrial pollution, need more stringent addressing.

Image Credit - The Guardian

Critical Voices: A Song for Change, Not a Silver Bullet

Despite the enthusiasm for the Sankirtan troupes' involvement, some environmental analysts caution against viewing it as a complete solution. The secretary for the Wildlife Society of Odisha, Biswajeet Mohanty, an individual associated with an organization engaged in pollution-control work, offers a critical viewpoint. He articulated the irony that individuals suffering climate alteration's effects receive guidance to employ Sankirtan mandalis as a platform, journeying between settlements to propagate consciousness, concurrently with the expansion of industrial operations that cause pollution. Mohanty suggests that while engaging women-led troupes is easier due to their existing organisation, this engagement does not resolve the fundamental factors fuelling the climate crisis, of which these communities are primary victims.

This view highlights a crucial tension: community-level awareness campaigns, however innovative, may have limited impact if not coupled with systemic changes and stricter regulation of industrial activities contributing to environmental degradation. The growth of mining activities in places such as Keonjhar and also Angul poses an ongoing major risk to forests and local ecology. While the songs can change minds about practices like setting fire to fallen leaves, they cannot directly halt large-scale industrial emissions or deforestation driven by economic development priorities. Thus, a holistic approach addressing both local behaviours and broader industrial and climate policies is deemed essential.

Flames of Hardship: Impact on Livelihoods and Well-being

Forest fires in Odisha inflict a heavy toll on the daily lives and economic stability of local communities, particularly tribal populations who depend heavily on forest resources. Women, often responsible for gathering non-timber forest products, bear a significant brunt. Balamati Munda, a 42-year-old local, described the immediate consequence for her family's food supply. She explained they gather wild yams, various root vegetables, leafy greens, and fungi for sustenance. She added that in the event of a substantial blaze, they must manage with the grain supplies provided by governmental aid. This reliance on government rations underscores the food insecurity that follows extensive forest damage.

The fires decimate not only food sources but also sources of income derived from forest produce like Mahua flowers, which villagers collect after they remove ground litter from the woodland understory – sometimes a source of accidental fires. The loss of these resources can push already economically vulnerable families further into hardship. While participation in the Sankirtan troupes provides some income – the forest department reportedly offers around 5,000 rupees – analysts consider this a meagre amount for communities grappling with the most severe consequences of climate alteration. The fires, therefore, represent a direct threat to nutritional security and economic resilience.

Finding Their Voice: Empowerment Through Ancient Art

For many women in rural Odisha, participation in the Sankirtan mandalis transcends its environmental purpose, offering a profound sense of personal empowerment and societal relevance. Traditionally, women in these communities have had limited public roles. The revival of Sankirtan, particularly through women-led troupes, has provided a platform for them to showcase their talents and gain recognition. This newfound visibility and respect can be transformative. Pramila Pradhan of Murgapahadi expressed happiness that their troupe is "not only singing devotional songs but are able to do something good for society."

This sentiment is echoed by others. The act of performing, of having their voices heard and valued, instils confidence and a sense of agency. Ketaki Nayak, from the Ambanali settlement in Angul's jurisdiction, related how involvement with a Sankirtan ensemble enabled her to discover her personal abilities, something previously unacknowledged after her early marriage. The experience allows these women to contribute actively to their community’s well-being while also fostering personal growth and challenging restrictive social norms. The troupes become spaces for solidarity, skill development, and self-discovery.

Ketaki Nayak's Cadence: A Personal Journey of Liberation

Ketaki Nayak's story offers a poignant illustration of the empowering impact of the Sankirtan movement on individual women. Within Ambanali, a village situated in Angul's administrative area, about 180km from Murgapahadi, Ketaki's life was, for a long time, shaped by traditional expectations. Married at the tender age of 10, she is now 25 with two young children. She recollected vocalizing melodies during her school days but noted that subsequent to her wedding, such external encouragement to perform publicly ceased. This common experience for many rural women often means talents and aspirations are suppressed.

Joining the local Sankirtan mandali marked a turning point. As she prepared for a performance, confidently arranging her sari, Ketaki reflected on her transformation. She remarked that currently, young females pursue education and even attain careers as aviators, contrasting her past limitations with present possibilities. She confessed to never having imagined possessing such aptitude, nor that she would perform for an audience and receive their positive affirmations. Her participation has not only allowed her to rediscover her voice but has also brought her public recognition and a sense of self-worth, demonstrating the profound personal development fostered by these cultural initiatives.

Passing the Torch: Nurturing Future Generations of Performers

The revitalisation of Sankirtan by women also holds promise for inspiring younger generations. Kusha Behera, a tutor for the women's troupe in Ambanali, noted the dedication of the women performers. He also highlighted a concerning trend among some men, suggesting their capability to perform in devotional troupes has diminished not only due to absence from villages but also due to issues like addiction. This makes the women's commitment even more crucial for the tradition's continuity. Behera also mentioned their ensemble had gotten word regarding a state-sponsored initiative they planned to undertake, indicating further opportunities for engagement.

Crucially, he pointed out that very young females, including some still in education, are affiliating with these groups. This intergenerational involvement is key to the long-term sustainability of both the art form and its new role in social awareness. Behera mused that although the current adult female members might perceive their younger years as past, the upcoming cohort of young females is gaining insight into female capabilities. This process of learning and participation empowers young girls, showing them avenues for expression, leadership, and community contribution that might have been less visible to previous generations, thereby fostering a legacy of change.

Odisha's Green Mantle: A Rich but Imperilled Inheritance

Odisha boasts a significant natural heritage, with its forest cover playing a crucial role in regional ecology and supporting a vast array of biodiversity. According to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, Odisha's forest and tree cover stood at 58,597.01 sq km, which is 37.63% of its total geographical area. This marked an increase from previous assessments, indicating some success in afforestation and protection measures. The state's forests are diverse, ranging from tropical moist deciduous forests, rich in Sal and teak, to vital coastal mangrove ecosystems like those in Bhitarkanika National Park, a haven for saltwater crocodiles. Simlipal National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is home to Royal Bengal tigers and was previously noted for Irrawaddy dolphins.

However, this green expanse faces numerous threats. Deforestation due to agricultural expansion, infrastructure development, illegal logging, and mining activities remains a persistent challenge. Poaching also threatens wildlife. While overall forest cover might show an increase, some tribal districts, often rich in minerals, have reported declines in green areas. For instance, Kalahandi and Keonjhar districts saw reductions in forest cover between 2021 and 2023, highlighting the pressures from resource extraction and other activities. Effective conservation requires addressing these multifaceted challenges to protect Odisha's invaluable natural legacy.

Guardians of the Green: State and Civil Society Efforts

The responsibility for safeguarding Odisha's rich forests and biodiversity does not rest solely on community initiatives like the Sankirtan troupes. The Odisha state government, through its Forest and Environment Department, implements various conservation measures. These include establishing and managing protected areas like national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, undertaking afforestation programs to increase green cover and restore degraded ecosystems, and implementing anti-poaching measures. The state has also focused on technological integration for forest management, including GIS and remote sensing for forest cover analysis and fire monitoring. Initiatives like the Odisha Forest Development Corporation (OFDC) aim to manage forest resources sustainably.

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and environmental activists also play a crucial role. Groups like the Wildlife Society of Odisha advocate for environmental protection and scrutinise development projects. NGOs often work at the grassroots level, mobilising communities, raising awareness about environmental issues, and sometimes challenging projects with potential negative environmental impacts through public interest litigations. They also contribute to research, monitor compliance with environmental regulations, and facilitate community participation in environmental impact assessments. This collaborative ecosystem of government bodies, local communities, and civil society organisations is vital for holistic environmental governance. Gram Vikas and Living Farms are examples of NGOs working with tribal communities on sustainable livelihoods linked to forest produce.

Balancing Acts: The Complex Path to Forest Preservation

The fight to protect Odisha's forests is a complex endeavour, requiring a delicate balance between tradition, technology, community needs, and economic development. The Sankirtan initiative beautifully illustrates how indigenous knowledge and cultural practices can be powerful tools for conservation, fostering local ownership and engagement. These methods, deeply rooted in the community's ethos, can often achieve a level of acceptance and adherence that top-down regulations may struggle to attain. However, such initiatives operate within a challenging socio-economic and environmental landscape.

The pressures of industrialisation, mining, and infrastructure development on forest lands are immense. Climate change adds another layer of complexity, increasing the risk of natural disasters like forest fires and cyclones. While technological advancements like AI-driven fire detection and satellite monitoring offer enhanced capabilities for managing these threats, they must be integrated with strategies that address the underlying drivers of forest degradation. This includes promoting sustainable livelihoods for forest-dependent communities, ensuring equitable benefit-sharing from forest resources, and enforcing robust environmental regulations for industries. Ultimately, lasting forest preservation in Odisha will depend on a multi-pronged approach that harmonises conservation goals with the socio-economic aspirations of its people, supported by strong governance and active civil society participation.