Bhagavatham by Chenchus a thing of past in Srikakulam

Srikakulam: Chenchu community, who used to render and perform the Bhagavatham in the form of songs and dances during Sankranti, had stayed away from the celebrations this year as the people lost interest in the art form.

Earlier, Chenchus used to move round the houses and business establishments in Palasa and Kasibugga and seek alms through their art form. Rendering and performing the Bhagavatham was a profession for Chenchu community who are residing in Palasa, Meliaputti and Sitampeta mandals in Srikakulam district. But now, they are slowly moving towards other professions and seeking regular employment by staying away from their traditional art form as it was not providing livelihood for them. This year Chenchus were not surfaced in Palasa and Kasibugga streets as people are not interested either to listen or see their traditional art from, said residents of Palasa and Kasibugga, S Hari and D Dharma Rao.

“Earlier, people used to respect us and donate clothes, rice and utensils after listening to our songs and watching our dances, but now it has become a thing of the past”, bemoaned Rama Swamy and Yellappadu of Chencu community.

“As a result, we are searching for jobs and working for livelihood and our children are migrating to other places for employment and they are not interested to continue our tradition”, they said.