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One of the most endangered folk performances, Bhnarjatra does not belong to the mainstream cultural tradition of the Bengali bhadralok. It has a very distinct artistic and linguistic feature. Most of the performers are from the marginal class of the society and the language of the performance also has a deep rooted connection with this part of society. This specific kind of Jatras can be seen in some parts of the district of Paschim Medinipur of West Bengal.
It is said that in the past, gambling was an important part of Bhnarjatra but with the passage of time it ceased to be so. Though it is losing its glamour day by day, it is still very popular among the rural audience. It has recently attracted the attention of the State Govt. and the artists are now getting the chance to perform in front of public gatherings in cities including Kolkata.
These plays mainly revolve around two types of themes: religious and social. The Bhnar or the buffoon obviously has the central role in the performance. The characters carry more contemporary references to the names of local places, heroes and heroines. Use of songs is one of the salient features of Bhnarjatra. The plays based on social themes, also called samajik palas, have a comic tone but a didactic end.