Nabarangpur, Dec, 04: The traditional and historical district-level Mandei festival 2025 in Nabarangpur began today in a grand and divine manner. The festival started at the Bhandariguda (Umarkot) seat of Shakti Mata in Shri Shri Maa Bhairavi Temple, featuring various traditional dances, songs, and musical instruments such as Khatuli, Thadak Latak, Mahuri, Taal, along with performances by Kursi Devata, Lathi Devata, and Shira Dishari.
Thousands of people participated in the festival, which began in the morning with a torch procession. On a large stage at Bhandariguda, prayers and hymns to Lord Gajanana (Ganesha) were offered, and the ceremonial torch-lighting was performed. The stage was managed by Chandana Mallik, who welcomed the chief guest and other distinguished guests according to tradition.
As President of the Nabarangpur Cultural Council, District Collector Dr. Maheshwar Swain presided over the event. The chief guests included Cabinet Minister of Mass Education Nityananda Gand, Minister of Climate and Forests Ganesh Mansingh Khuntia, Jharinga MLA Narsingh Bhatra, Nabarangpur MLA Gauri Shankar Majhi, former MP Parshuram Majhi, Dabugaon MLA Manohar Randhari, Muna Tripathi, District Council President Motiram Nayak, along with senior district officials, development officers, sarpanchs, and committee members from 10 blocks.
The festival celebrated the heritage of community, soil, and culture through a beautiful program, officially inaugurating the Mandei festival. Various traditional dances and musical performances were organized throughout the night, aiming to keep the celebrations lively. Local residents expressed immense joy and enthusiasm in response to the event.