Pogo’s ‘Jay Jagannath’ Showcases Odisha’s Divine Heritage

Pogo’s ‘Jay Jagannath’ Showcases Odisha’s Divine Heritage

For Odias ‘Jay Jagannath’ is more than just a phrase—it’s an integral part of our identity. We take immense pride in and celebrate our connection to the land of Lord Jagannath. As his name signifies, ‘Jagatara Natha Jagannath,’ meaning the Lord of the Universe, his devotees can be found in every corner of the world. In honor of the beloved deity of Odisha, there’s an exciting new animated series, ‘Jay Jagannath,’ airing on Pogo Channel. With the tagline ‘Masti Aur Dosti Ki Anokhi Jugalbandi,’ the series beautifully captures the charm and grandeur of Lord Jagannath in a way that resonates with both children and adults alike.

Capturing the essence of Lord Jagannath's divine journey and his connection with his siblings, Balabhadra and Subhadra, in an imaginative and engaging manner, this has been created and produced by Ele Animations from Odisha, in collaboration with Toonz Media Group, and Warner Bros. Discovery as broadcasting partner, Jay Jagannath is inspired by the revered tales of Lord Jagannath. 

The show brings to life the stories and adventures of Lord Jagannath. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Indian mythology and culture, the show weaves enchanting tales of bravery, friendship, and values, making it both entertaining and educational for young viewers. ‘Jay Jagannath’ has been premiering on Pogo since 20th May, 2024 at 9:30 am and is available in six languages: Hindi, Tamil,Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, and Malayalam. This animated series, celebrating Indian culture, friendship and folklore, is targeted at kids and families.  

Adding more about the show, Ele Animations founder-director Durga Prasad said, “The series is already available in English, along with six other languages. However, since Pogo currently does not have an Odia feed and we received numerous requests from the Odia-speaking community for a localized release, to address this demand, we recently launched the series on YouTube through the Jay Jagannath Odia channel. We also plan to expand further by launching a Bengali YouTube channel soon, catering to yet another enthusiastic audience segment. Working with Toonz Media Group and Warner Bros. Discovery brought invaluable expertise and resources to the table. Their global reach, technical excellence, and creative inputs helped elevate the series, ensuring it resonated with diverse audiences while staying true to its cultural essence.”

Through action-packed episodes filled with colorful animation, heroic feats, and moral lessons, Jay Jagannath celebrates Indian heritage while instilling values like kindness, courage, and wisdom. The series chronicles the endearing friendship between Lord Jagannath, depicted in his youthful form as Jagan, and his devoted companion Balram. A fusion of action, humour, and life lessons, the series will showcase the power of trust and the beauty of camaraderie, offering kids together with their families an entertaining viewing experience.

Adding further about the inspiration behind making the show and the challenges he said, “The inspiration came from my deep admiration for Lord Jagannath and the rich cultural heritage of Odisha. Growing up surrounded by these stories, I always felt they had universal appealing lessons of compassion, inclusivity, and devotion that transcend generations. This series is my way of sharing Odisha’s profound legacy with the world while preserving these stories for future generations. The biggest challenge was balancing reverence for the deity with the creative liberties needed to make the stories engaging for a global audience. We had to ensure every element like visuals, narrative, and tone and respective cultural sensitivities while keeping the format accessible and entertaining, especially for kids and families. We worked closely with cultural experts, historians, and local storytellers to ensure authenticity. At the same time, the storytelling was adapted with vibrant animation, humor, and universal themes to make it relatable and engaging for kids and families worldwide.”

A few years ago, when animated series like Bal Hanuman and Bal Ganesh premiered on television, they opened up new possibilities for using animation to promote culture and share moral stories. Animation is a powerful medium—it’s visually engaging, timeless, and transcends language barriers. It provides a unique way to present India’s rich cultural narratives to younger generations, making these stories feel fresh and exciting while ensuring they remain relevant and cherished on a global scale.

While talking about a recent email from a regular viewer of the show, Durga said, “One day, we received an email from a parent in Tamil Nadu who shared a heartwarming story. They mentioned that they were not particularly traditional and had never prioritized teaching their children about Indian gods. However, after watching the series, their kids were so inspired that they insisted on visiting Puri to see Lord Jagannath. The family made the trip, and the parents described having a profound and divine experience they never expected. Such messages from parents across India, sharing how the series is sparking curiosity and devotion in young minds, have been incredibly motivating for us. They remind us why we embarked on this journey and inspire us to keep going. I hope Jay Jagannath fosters such curiosity and pride in Indian heritage among young viewers. For those unfamiliar with these traditions, I hope it opens a door to exploring the values and stories that define our culture, creating a bridge between generations and geographies.”

As a creator, Durga  has always been drawn to storytelling, and animation. He said, “ It combines visual artistry with imaginative narratives. Animation allows me to present deeply rooted cultural tales in a way that’s accessible and appealing to all age groups. For me the lesson of inclusivity stands out the most. Lord Jagannath’s tales emphasize that the divine embraces everyone, irrespective of caste, creed, or status. This philosophy has guided me personally and professionally, inspiring me to create stories that unite and uplift. Hailing from Odisha, a bastion of rich heritage, we are excited to bring the quintessential tale of Jagannath through this show. Lord Jagannath represents the essence of inclusivity and spiritual devotion to me. His stories have always been a source of comfort and inspiration. This connection has profoundly influenced my creative journey, pushing me to bring these timeless narratives to a broader audience. Seeing the joy and pride it brought to people from Odisha was incredibly rewarding. Hearing families say their children were now curious about Lord Jagannath and Odisha’s heritage made all the hard work worthwhile. It felt like bringing a piece of home to the world stage.”

Pogo has strategically secured a commanding market share in kids programming by offering animated content spanning multiple genres from comedy to slapstick to adventure to mythology. These diverse range of stories in varied and engaging formats cater to kids across 2 to 14 years of age. Toonz has aimed Jay Jagannath's viewership at everyone from children to adults. While young viewers will be enchanted by the colourful characters and engaging storylines, older audiences will appreciate the narrative depth and the cultural significance. When asked if this series would appeal to youth who feel distant from traditions and devotion, Durga said, "We believe that Jay Jagannath can resonate with youth by presenting timeless themes of loyalty and self-discovery in a modern and relatable context. The series aims to bridge the gap between tradition and contemporary values, making it relevant to a diverse audience."

As per the makers the future seasons will delve deeper into lesser-known stories, exploring themes like resilience, unity, and divine play (leela). While the current narrative focuses on foundational tales, the upcoming seasons will aim to surprise and educate audiences with fresh perspectives and untold stories.

While talking about the plans for merchandise and potential OTT distribution Durga feels these platforms provide opportunities to deepen audience engagement and broaden reach. Merchandise can bring characters into daily life, creating a personal connection, while OTT platforms enable global visibility, making Jay Jagannath accessible to families everywhere.

If you’re a regular viewer of this show, we’d love to hear your valuable comments and feedback. Connect with us on our social media platforms and become a part of this exciting journey with Ele Animations. Jay Jagannath!