In Puri Ramanavami is celebrated with mass participation –a unique tradition. This festival starts from Chaitra Sukla Astami and ends with coronation of Rama (Rama Aviseka) . Here, all the Sahis (streets) formerly 8 nos , now 7 partake in the festivals, in a systematic order and perform one episode of Ramayana like birth of Rama, Rama banabasa, sita chori ,Lanka Dahana, Rama Ravana Yudha and Rama Abhiseka. As in case of Ramalila of Banaras and Agra the performing troupe does not enact all the scenes in the same arena every night. So is the case of Puri, Ramanavami, otherwise called as Sahi Jatra. Here two Sahis form one group. They are called Badi Sahi (opponents in terms performers) of each other.
The performers along with Sahi people in a grand procession moves to second one and perform there and vice versa. This is a blend of tradition and the event uphold the exchanger of moral ethics at the micro level. It has more sociological value to maintain peace and harmony among the locals in a systematic way that otherwise a heritage component of the sacred center. The main architect to organise the Sahi Yatra are the Akhahe and Jagagharas. In each Sahi there is an Akhada which acts as a harbinger of peace by regulating the socio-cultural life style of the inhabitants. The head of the Akhada is known as Sahi Nayak . A number of Jaga Gharas, still function under the control of Akhadas; which has some responsible for local development, social order, family discipline, training and practice of military art and skill and Oddisi music and dance. Like the “jagar” of Himachal Pradesh, these Jaga Gharas at Puri are the genuine centers of cultural awakening at the grassroots level.
The Sahi Jatra or celebration of Rama Navami with mass participation is a ritual. Which expresses their custom, beliefs, crafts, philosophy, music even their wealth and color. the performers are dressed having big medhas a traditional art form on which a single person could not act upon. The entire festival is linked to Lord Jagannath. Each Sahi before enactment ought to get the permission from the Lord Jagannath (agyamala ) and after performance in the Sahi, the main episode has to be performed before the Lord at Jagannath Ballava Matha, which is considered as the heavenly garden.
