Desianata is an unique and ancient form of play presentation located in the Koraput district of Orissa.
Desia means local, hence completely indigenous & it's participants belong to the local people irrespective of caste, creed or even tribe.
This traditional multicolored masked spectacle of Desia Nata, brings in it's fold every conceivable character
i.e., Gods, Goddesses, Animals, Birds and the human species, all under masks, never so widely exploited by any traditional dance or drama form in India. There are also characters who appear without the masks, if it is the role of a common human being. The unique distinction of the Desia Mask is that it is worn helmet like wherein the entire head is thrusted in. Though now-a-days masks are being made out of papier mache it used to be made out of leaves in the olden times.
The theme is always from the mythology and Ramayana, punched with social skits and
humor. The music and the dances are unsophisticated and blended with touches of tribal patterns. The dances some times include such intricate pattern of foot works, gestures and postures, that they can well be compared at par excellence with some of the already famous forms of India. Another form of Desia Nata is Subhadra Harana.
Desia Nata, though slowly becoming rare is still popular amongst the local inhabitants. The performance usually takes place during festivals like Chaitra Parva. Desianata needs a centra arena for performance.