Bandi Nata is mainly found in cenetr and western parts of Orissa. It has less ritualistic formalities than that of the Danda Nata and is performed by the scheduled caste people mainly.
Bandi happens to be the nickname of the sister of Chandrasena, the husband of Radha. This Bandinata idealises the character of Bandi as against Radha in the game of love towards Krishna, because it depicts the selfless sacrifices of her own utmost love towards Krishna in favour of Radha and her help which brought the pair Radha and Krishna together.
Bandinata is an out-come of the so called hatred of the cast Hindu Vaishnavites, who did not favour the low castes to join them in their Radha cult.
In Bandinata the artists in make-up and costumes along with their stage properties in hand, walk into the auditorium and sit down with the spectators mixing and mingling with the crowd and come out to the central acting area only when their roles come complete with self-introductions in songs.
The only musical instrument played with the Bandinata is the Dhol and it is really inspiring to watch this sole accompanist for the entire duration of the play which lasts for more than 3 hours packed with lots of dances, songs, actions and
humor.