Nabarangpur, Nov 29: The district’s popular festival, Mandai, began with an auspicious inauguration from the Bairavi Temple at Umarakot Podagada.
Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ramsingh Khuntia participated as the chief guest and officially inaugurated Mandai. Speaking on the occasion, he expressed gratitude to the people participating in this historic Mandai procession, which symbolizes faith and belief, and hoped that the festival, representing the pride of the district, would shine at a national level.
Additionally, the honorable minister announced a fund of one crore rupees for the development of this Shaktipeetha (sacred site), as well as for forest and tourism development.
Following this, State Minister for School Education, Scheduled Castes/Tribes, Social Security, and Differently-abled Empowerment Nityananda Gand highlighted in his address that this traditional festival, practiced since ancient times, has been preserved in a modern context by the tribal communities. He noted that the Mandai festival, which rises above politics and represents the district’s progress, has annually showcased the vibrant local arts. He also mentioned that the Dhemsa dance of the district has received national recognition, filling the community with pride.
At the Mandai-2025 inauguration, people from different parts of the district participated, carrying sticks, chairs, flags, drums, and other traditional items from Bairavi Peetha in a torch procession. The torch was carried from the sacred site by Minister Khuntia, Minister Gand, and local MLAs including Gaurishankar Majhi, Manohar Randhari, Narsingh Bhatra, along with District Collector D. Maheswar Swain, Parshuram Majhi, Muna Tripathy, BJP district president Kunjbihari Das, Umarakot municipality chairperson Radha Bhatra, block chairs, and other senior officials.
The district-level Mandai-2025, scheduled from 12th to 16th December, has now officially begun. Thousands of spectators witnessed cultural programs, tribal dances, and songs performed on stage.
Mandai is a festival that promotes unity and brotherhood, filling the district residents with excitement and enthusiasm. During the inauguration, the Mandai song and posters were released by the esteemed guests. Stage management for the program was handled by Chandana Mallik.