Rayagada: Guests who attended a meeting Sunday evening on the second day of the district-level Chaiti Mahostsav said the district has produced many artistes who have promoted the distinct art of Rayagada on a global platform.
The festival has played a significant role in bringing many hidden talents to the fore, they said.
Several school students who excelled in various competitions organised by the district administration were felicitated on the occasion. Artistes from across the country regaled the audience with a variety of cultural programmes.
Notable performances during the cultural fest included an Odissi presentation by Anuradha Panigrahi of Rayagada, Kathak dance by Padma Shri Janaki Raghavan of Mumbai, folk and Purulia Chhau dance forms by troupes from West Bengal, Ghumura dance by a troupe from Puri, Mahari dance on behalf of the culture department of the state, a fusion performance by All Orissa Martial Arts Academy of Malkangiri district, Dalkhai dance by Sambalpur artistes, and Durua dance by Koraput artistes.
Similarly, jawans of CRPF’s fourth battalion also enthralled viewers with a Dhangada dance performance while Dongria-Kondh development agency performed Kondh dance while Om Shanti Folk Dance Group of Rayagada presented a tribal dance number on the occasion.
Minister for SC/ST development and minorities welfare Lalbihari Himirika attended the Mahotsav as chief guest while collector Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar presided over a meeting organised on the occasion.
Other dignitaries who attended the festival included zilla parishad chairperson Sujata Mandangi, vice-chairperson Shakuntala Nudrunka and chairpersons of several panchayat samitis.
The district officials thanked people who turned out in large numbers to make the festival a grand success. PNN
