Amrit Kaal Cultural Festival Celebrates Nabarangpur’s Rich Cultural Heritage
Nabarangpur, June 1: The two-day Amrit Kaal Cultural Festival, organized under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and hosted by the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC), Kolkata, concluded successfully at Sai Kalyan Mandap, Nabarangpur, after being held on May 27 and 28, 2026.
The festival was inaugurated by Nabarangpur District Collector Dr. Maheshwar Swain, who attended the opening ceremony as the chief guest. Speaking on the occasion, he highlighted the district’s vibrant cultural heritage and emphasized that continued support for local artists has played a vital role in preserving and strengthening traditional folk dance and music forms.
Several distinguished guests attended the inaugural session, including Municipality Chairperson Kunu Badya, social worker S. Nayak, District Information and Public Relations Officer Manoj Behera, District Child Welfare Officer Suresh Pattnaik, and District Culture Officer Ghasia Harijan.
Organized as part of the Ministry of Culture’s initiatives under the Prime Minister’s “Amrit Kaal” vision for a developed India, the festival aimed to promote and preserve India’s diverse cultural traditions. Speakers at the event noted that the programme has enhanced the recognition of Indian and Odia culture while creating valuable opportunities for artists from Nabarangpur district to showcase their talent on a larger platform.
They also emphasized that the district’s unique artistic traditions, folk music, indigenous instruments, and dance forms continue to contribute significantly to the spirit of Amrit Kaal. The event was conducted with active support from the district administration.
The inaugural evening featured a series of captivating cultural performances by renowned local groups, including the Odissi Music and Dance Troupe, District Cultural Association, Nabarangpur, Sonu Majhi Dhemsa Dance Group of Dabugaon, Yuva Sangathan, Nabarangpur, Shailodi Dance Group of Gopal Guda, Jharigram, and Rinayodi Dance Group of Tentulikhunti. Their performances showcased the rich and diverse cultural traditions of the region.
To encourage and support local talent, the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre provided financial assistance to the participating artist groups. The Nabarangpur district administration also extended its cooperation in ensuring the successful conduct of the festival.
As part of the celebrations, several eminent gurus and senior cultural personalities were felicitated for their contributions to the preservation and promotion of traditional arts. The programme was anchored by G.V.V. Ranjit on behalf of the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre, while Bibhu Prasad Mishra served as the event coordinator.