Popular Jatra artiste Jagannath Rout dies of COVID-19

Bhubaneswar: Popular Jatra artiste and comedian Jagannath (Jaga) Rout succumbed to COVID-19 while undergoing treatment at a private hospital here today. He was 83.

A native of Nimapada in Puri, Rout was associated with Jatra industry for the last 62 years. He worked with various troupes like Satasankha, Konark and Kalinga Gananatya.

Rout, who joined the Jatra industry at the age of 35, acted in several superhit plays like Rajadhani Tate Duru Juhar, Na Kahile Kula Bhasi Jauchi, Akasha Kaian Chilika Macha, Kahalo Baula Kie To Bara and Kagaja Phula.

Soon after news of his demise surfaced, condolences started pouring for the departed soul from different quarters, including  the Jatra fraternity.