Cuttack: The three-day-long Pala Conference was held in an enchanting atmosphere at Raghunathpur Maula through the joint efforts of Shri Jagannath Pala Kalakar Maha Sangha and Maa Utkal Bharati Pala Gayika O Kalakar Parishad. With the strong support of culture enthusiast Pavitra Kumar Patra and the patronage of the villagers of Raghunathpur Mouza, the event was conducted under the direction of Maha Sangha advisor Anjan Kumar Jena.
Artists, including singers, musicians, and instrumentalists, from various districts of Odisha participated in the event. During the evening literary session, the conference was presided over by Maha Sangha President Niranjan Swain and Utkal Bharati Pala Gayika O Kalakar Parishad President Basanta Manjari Panda. Former MLA Priyadarshi Mishra, MLA Sushant Kumar Raut, former district council member Kunal Raut, singer Bagmi Narayan Maharana, and several renowned artists attended the event.
Prominent Pala singers such as state-level artist Ahlad Surendra Nath Chhotaray, Banikantha Banamali Pati, Subash Chandra Patra, Sudhanshu Giri, Basant Maharana, and Shiba Shankar emphasized that Pala, an ancient cultural tradition of Odisha, continues to uphold religious consciousness and rich heritage among the people.
A decision was made during the organizational discussions that each district would have a representative writer. Additionally, renowned singer and Padma Shri awardee Guru Lakshmidhar Raut was honored with a Guru Puja ceremony. The event also featured performances by legendary artists such as Guru Lakshmidhar Raut, Kahu Ka Charan Chehera, Niranjan Swain, Dushmant Kumar Behera, singers Lakshmipriya Bas, Snehalata Behera, Meena Rani Prusti, and Kanaklata Samal.
Ten senior singers and musicians were felicitated by the residents of Raghunathpur Mouza. The literary sessions on various days included contributions from Maharana, Upendra Nath Mishra, Utkal Bharati’s Swarnaprabha Lenka, Asima Baral, and Kanaklata Samal.