Malkangiri | 18th Sept 2025: A grand inter-district folk artists’ gathering and felicitation festival was held at Niladrinagar in Korukonda block of Malkangiri district. Organized at the Kalyan Mandap of Niladrinagar near Balimela, the event was hosted by the District Branch of the Bande Utkal Lokakala O Loksanskriti Mahasangha (Folk Art and Culture Association of Odisha).
Senior folk artist and drama guru Bhagaban Handal presided over the event, which saw the participation of many folk artists.
Prominent attendees included:
Chief guest: Pramod Kumar Dash, Executive President of the State Committee of Bande Utkal Lokakala O Loksanskriti Mahasangha
Keynote speaker: Jagannath Behera, President of the Southern Region
Honored guests: Naveen Satapathy, Dhanurjay Handal (State Executive Member), Shiva Sankar Tripathy, Randhakar Dash (Tribal Researcher), Shrinibas Patra, Ghenu Muduli (Vice President, District Folk Art Association), along with other dignitaries from both state and district levels.
The speakers emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting tribal and folk art and culture in this Adivasi (tribal) dominated region. They advised that folk artists should be encouraged and given priority, while staying away from overpowering external influences.
The gathering also included discussions on various problems faced by folk artists. Folk artists from within the district and from outside presented their artistic talents through traditional dance and music performances.
During the event, distinguished artists were honored and presented with certificates of recognition.
Notable folk artists and drama gurus who participated included:
Krishna Bagh, Mukunda Nayak, Bishwajit Biswanand, Damuru Handal, Seman Biswas, Goutam Mandal, Dr. Sushree Nirmala Ekja, Sonali Padiami, Geeta Heera, Amal Mandal, Keshab Gabar, Prakash Chandra Kund, among others. They not only contributed to the event but also showcased cultural performances.
At the end, drama guru Dhanurjay Handal offered the vote of thanks.