There are two distinct types of Pala in Orissa, the Baithaki (sitting) and the Thhia (standing). It is associated with the worship of Satyapir, a God both for Hindus and
the Muslims and hence it's origin is traced from the Moghul period, when all attempts had been made for the unification in faith between both the religions. But the form of the Thhia Pala which seems to be a developed outcome of Binakara portion of the age old Dandanata of Orissa has a deeper origin.
The word 'Pala' has been derived from the word 'Pali'. 'Pali' was a highly developed language used for the propagation of Buddhism after Lord Buddha. This language was mainly used in ancient Kalinga and said to be more universal in understanding.
The "initials" or the Purba Ranga of a Pala play has a lot of similarity with that of the Purba Ranga mentioned in Natya Sastra. No other form of play production exists today which adheres so much to the formalities as per the Natya Sastra as that of a Pala play of Orissa. This justifiably signifies the classical origin of this beautiful form of mass communication media of Orissa.
As it is, the Thhia Pala is an unique form of play presentation with a high degree of literary excellence. This is enacted by six persons who dress themselves in the ancient royal attires. The chief actor known as the Gayaka holds a Chamara and plays on a small pair of Manjiras and the rest, form the Palias or the chorus. Among these there is one percussionist who plays on the Khol and the rest on Karatalas. One of these chorous boys, there happens to be jester or Vidushaka who cracks a joke for everything. The main theme runs in a commentary form, highlighting important portions in the real enactment of drama, each player turning into a charactter with dialogues. The Gayaka during his singing, explains passages which are difficult to understand to the common mass with lots of simlies from other writers,
thereby turning the performance into a literary discourse. Intermittent humorous skits, occasional dancing with small foot works, turns up to three or four hours. Pala needs a central acting area and no green-room during performance.
Sometimes Badipala is arranged where two or more Pala groups participate one after the other. These turn into competitions of showmanship and literary duels and it is left to the people to give the verdict as to which group is the best to get the prize.
Pala happens to be a very popular Jatra of Orissa, there are Pala groups now consisting entirely of female artists. There exist Pala groups who perform it in Sanskrit language also.