Cuttack On the 19th Panchpattamala Theatre Festival, the play Raktara Ranga from Cuttack’s Eater Paribeshit Matka was awarded the Best Produced Play. Similarly, Gha, presented by Sambalpur’s Pandit Laxminarayan Cultural Association, won the 2nd prize, and the play Ame Sabu Mandi Sarichhu from Anugul’s Kalabar Anushthan was adjudged the 3rd best play.Cuttack
The award ceremony was held successfully with a total of 16 plays competing from various districts this year. At the event, NALCO Executive Director Niranjan Samal attended as the chief guest and inaugurated the program. In his address, Mr. Samal praised the organizers for promoting Utkal’s art and culture through theatre, which has spread to various parts of Odisha.
Mr. Samal also honored Netrananda Maharana, former MAPRAK of NALCO and president of Panchpattamala Theatre Festival, during the Panchpattamali Natya 1-2025 event. Several senior artists and managers from various groups participated as honored guests.
The play competition judges Nilini, Kailash Chandra Panigrahi, and Giriba Kumar Chaudhury presented awards to outstanding theatre institutions and individuals. The program was coordinated by Sheshadev Satpathi, Nirmal Kumar Garat, and Sridhar Parigra, under the leadership of festival president and Salco senior advocate Bichchha Charan Dash.
Raktara Ranga received the Best Produced Play award, with Bhavagriha Dash named the 21st Best Playwright, Akshara Kumar Rana awarded Best Director, Freeman Swain Best Actor, and Mamata Kabi Best Music Director.
Gha, presented by Sambalpur’s Pandit Laxminarayan Cultural Association, received the Best Play award with Santosh Kumar Mishra as Best Playwright, Shubhendra Nanda as 2nd Best Actor, and Madhumita Nasak as 20th Best Actress.
The 3rd Best Play award went to Ame Sabu Mari Parichhu from Anugul’s Kalakar group. For this play, Dr. Krishna Chandra Dash won 2nd Best Director, Maniranjan Patmayak 2nd Best Comedian, and Shakti Prasad Mishra 2nd Best Music Director.
From Sambalpur’s Mancha Nayak for the play Din, Sanjaya Padhi won Best Comic Actor; from Bhubaneswar’s Indradhanush theatre, Kulbadhhu earned K. Madhusuta Best Actress; Sundargarh’s Navjeevan Social & Cultural Organisation’s play Kaun awarded Bikarani Sabu Best Child Artist.
From Debagarh’s Sagar Art International, Eka Bhinn Nishpati earned Tanmoy Nayak Best Stage Artist; the play Asamapta Samlap won Best Script Award.
Nabarangpur’s Tridhar Theatre’s Antal received Best Approved Play Award, and from Gaurakela Basturi group, Ame Sabu Mesha received Best Banner Award.
Many other distinguished awards were also presented. The 19th Panchpattamala Theatre Festival concluded with a cultural education program and a grand closing ceremony.