Malkangiri, Feb, 4: The district’s popular cultural festival, Malyabanta Mahotsav, was inaugurated yesterday in Malkangiri. The event was presided over by District Collector and President of the District Culture Council, Shri Somesh Kumar Upadhyay.
Attending the inaugural ceremony as Chief Guest was Malkangiri MLA Narasingha Madkami. Among the distinguished guests were Superintendent of Police Vinod Patil, DFO Sai Kiran D.N., and Additional District Magistrate Bedabar Pradhan.
The guests stated that tribal-dominated Malkangiri district is second to none in its unique qualities, and that the Malyabanta Mahotsav reflects the true image of its heritage, traditions, water culture, and lifestyle. District Information and Public Relations Officer Pramila Majhi delivered the vote of thanks.
On the occasion, renowned singers Trisha Chatterjee, Srilata Upadhyay, and Sanat Kumar Panigrahi performed during the musical night. Cultural performances included Odissi dance from Bhubaneswar, Bihu dance from Assam, Ghoomar dance from Rajasthan, performances by the Malyabanta Promo Music Team, and traditional dances by Bonda, Koya, and Demsa troupes, which deeply impressed the audience. Various other cultural groups also presented dance and music performances.
Participants who excelled in different competitions were awarded prizes. As part of the Pallishree Mela, 120 stalls have been set up, including 30 food stalls, 55 commercial stalls, 5 Agriculture Department stalls, 2 Industry Department stalls, and 22 Self-Help Group (SHG) stalls, offering a variety of products for sale.
In addition, district-level departmental exhibition stalls showcasing development initiatives have been opened. SHG groups, along with several schools from within and outside the district, have also participated. The festival ground has been attractively decorated with colorful arches, along with market areas and a mini fair, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
The cultural programs and Pallishree Mela will continue until the 5th of this month. Tight security arrangements have been made for the festival, with deployment of BSF personnel, Odisha Police, and district police forces at multiple levels.
On the first day, thousands of spectators attended the festival in a peaceful and orderly manner and enjoyed the cultural performances.