Urmila Sahoo

Urmila Sahoo, known as Gayika Urmila Sahoo, is an Indian folk singer from Odisha, known for her expertise in Pala, a traditional 16th-century ballad art form. With a sustained career, she is recognized as a leading performer of Badi Pala and Ladhei Pala (competitive balladry) and for her role in preserving Odia oral and devotional traditions.

Early life and education

Sahoo was born in Odisha into a culturally rooted family. She was exposed to music, storytelling, and devotional practices from an early age. She received extensive training in Odia poetics, classical music, and Purana literature, which form the foundation of Pala performance.

Career

She formally began her professional career after undergoing rigorous training under senior Gurus. Over the years, she has performed extensively across Odisha. She leads a traditional Pala troupe consisting of a Bayaka (mridanga player) and Palias (chorus performers). Her performance style heavily features Ladhei Pala and Ladies Badi Pala, a form of poetic and philosophical debate between lead singers. Her repertoire covers themes from the Mahabharata, the Ramayana, and the traditions of Lord Jagannath.

Notable works

Some of her well-known thematic performances include:

• Tapati Sambaran

• Mahabharata Juddha

Recognition and legacy

She is regarded as a senior artist in the Pala tradition. She has been featured extensively on regional digital platforms such as Sanskar Bhakti and AMA ODISHA NATAKA. She has participated in major cultural events and continues to sustain the legacy of Pala for future generations.