at Mayurbhanj Utsav on Friday. Telegraph pictures
Bhubaneswar, Jan. 9: The traditional Odia snack mudhi mansa, which traces its origin to the district, is attracting hordes of visitors to the three-day Mayurbhanj Utsav presently under way at the Bhasa Prachar Sabha ground.
The annual festival organised by the Mayurbhanj Cultural Association celebrates the district's culture and heritage. Some of the highlights of the festival include chhau and jhumur performances by the district's traditional artistes and a handicrafts exhibition showcasing some of the local art forms such as stone carvings, dokra and lacquer art.
Apart from mudhi mansa, other culinary delights from the district such as dala khichdi, ram ruchuka and leta have also been a huge draw for gastronomes.
Around 10 kiosks selling local cuisine have been set up at the venue. "I have been coming to the festival for the last two years and the biggest attraction is the authentic food. It's a great experience to enjoy the cultural performances with the tasty dishes," said Sudeep Mohanty, a 28-year-old IT professional.
Yesterday's inaugural day events included chhau performances by artistes from the district's Bamanghati Chhau Nrutya Pratisthan. Their swift movements and rhythmic twirls displayed their mastery over the art form.
A few students of Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology presented dance recitals in praise of the district's beauty.
Actor Bijay Mohanty and footballer Nandkishore Patnaik, two notable personalities from the district, were felicitated on the occasion.
The festival aims to highlight the traditional art forms that are languishing because of lack of patronage. "The district has many scenic and historic places with immense tourism potential. It is necessary to promote them among the urban masses," said the association's general secretary Gokul Chandra Das. The festival concludes tomorrow with folk dance performances.
The association has been conducting the festival since 2011 and every year it has witnessed participation from film, television and stage artistes of the state's film industry.
