Sambalpur, Jan. 4: The three-day Sambalpur Lok Mahotsav began on the PHED ground in the city today.
A cultural procession, marking the beginning of the folk dance and music festival, originated from Municipality Chhak and went through the town. The artistes who have been invited to perform at the 21st edition of the annual festival took part in the procession and took part in procession in their traditional attire. The festival will conclude on January 6.
Around 500 folk artistes of 34 cultural troupes from across the country will perform at the folk festival this year. Five national-level teams are also taking part.
The inaugural day was an experience in cultural diversity. The audience got the opportunity to witness dalkhai by Bajnia, Sambalpur, ghumar by a troupe from Haryana, chhau from Mayurbhanj, lavani by a troupe from Maharashtra, dhemsa of Koraput, raas from Madhya Pradesh, rasarkeli by Rangpharua, Sambalpur, bihu by a team from Assam, dhap from Titlagarh, Purulia, chhau from Bengal and bani butal dance by a city team on the first day.
Besides, around 150 kiosks selling traditional food items of different communities, traditional art, tie and dye, handicraft and musical instruments have also been put up on the PHED grounds, where the folk festival is being organised. An exhibition on folk art is another attraction. "The budget for the festival has been estimated at Rs 30 lakh," said co-ordinator of the folk festival Saroj Das.
The Lok Mahotsav started in 1997 with the aim to revive dying forms of art. "Several forms of folk art are on the verge of extinction. The mahotsav is an effort to give a new lease of life to these forms. The festival has been providing a platform to folk artistes of the state," said organising committee member Manas Ranjan Jayapuria.
"The mahotsav is a cultural movement that aims to inspire people and create awareness about our art and culture. The event has made a prominent place for itself in the tourism calendar of Odisha. I was eagerly waiting for this day. This is a grand opportunity for us to witness the congregation of so many eminent artistes in our home town," said an art enthusiast, Smita Mohanty.
