Koraput: Parab-2018, the annual cultural extravaganza of Koraput district, showcasing the tribal art and culture, has got off to a colourful start.
Hundreds of tribals in their traditional attire danced to the tunes of folk music as the festival kicked off from Lord Jagannath temple of Sunapahada in Kotia panchayat under Pottangi block.
Kotia, where Parab is being organised for the first time, is a territory of dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. The festival was organised at the foothills of Sunapahada. At least three torches, one each from Sunapahada, Kotia Jagannath temple and a local Church were taken out to the venue of the event to mark the beginning of Parab-2018.
A decision has been taken by the administration to celebrate the Parab this year from the panchayat level. As a part of the plan, a festival-cum-competition will go on at the panchayat and block levels till November 14. Then, a mega celebration will be held at the DAV College Stadium in the headquarters town from November 16 to 20.
Parab-2018 will also showcase a Pallishree Mela which will be held on the festival ground from November 16 to 20 where a variety of handicrafts will be on display.
Ramesh Chandra Majhi, minister of commerce and transport; Chandra Sarathi Behera, sports and youth affairs minister; Koraput MP Jhina Hikaka; Jeypore MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati; Koraput Collector K Sudarshan Chakravarthy; Pottangi MLA Prafulla Pangi; Koraput MLA Krushna Sagaria performed the first ritual by lighting the traditional festive torch. All the district level officials and public representative were present.
The objective of the festival is to protect as well as to promote the region’s rich cultural heritage. All efforts will be made to ensure that this year’s Parab is remembered for its participation and vibrancy, said Collector Chakravarthy. This year, the state-level Parab festival, which began in the district in 1996, would feature a number of sports events, tribal dances, songs, music with traditional instruments, archery, mini-marathon and cycling competition among others, the Collector said.
As part of the Parab celebrations this year, the administration has also decided to organise Rahgiri at Jeypore in the name of Saheed Laxman Nayak Pathoutsav November 11. This would include several competitions and cultural programmes on the main road of Jeypore, said the Collector.
PNN
