Sambalpur, Dec. 29: The city will play host to a cultural extravaganza where more that 500 folk artistes of 33 cultural troupes from across the country will perform.

At the 21st Sambalpur Lok Mahotsav, which will begin on January 4 and conclude on January 6, the audience will get the opportunity to witness the performance of 11 cultural teams every evening.

"The traditional art forms of west Odisha, which are on the verge of extinction, have been given preference in the festival," said team convener of the Sambalpur Lok Mahotsav, Surya Prakash Guru.

Lovers of the performing arts will get the opportunity to watch dance forms such as dhap, ghumra, dalkhai, karma, udanda kirtana, krushnaguru, ghubkudu and many more at the festival. Bihu from Assam, ghumar from Haryana, ravni from Maharashtra, badhai from Madhya Pradesh and Purulia's chhau from Bengal will be added attractions. Similarly, folk dance such as ranapa, durua, and chhau of Odisha will also be staged during the forthcoming folk festival.

Around Rs 30 lakh will be spent on the cultural extravaganza, which will be organised on the PHED ground at Ainthapali. A cultural procession will be organised on January 4. All the cultural teams, who have been invited to perform during the festival, will take part in the cultural procession wearing their traditional attire.

The poster for t he mega folk festival has already been released. The organising committee had also organised a marathon to spread the message about the festival on December 22.

"Besides, 100 kiosks selling traditional food items of various communities, traditional art, tie and dye, handicraft and musical instruments will also put up on the PHED ground, where the folk festival will be organised. An exhibition on folk art will also be organised at the venue during the festival. This apart, seminar on various topics will also be organised at the venue," said coordinator of the festival, Saroj Dash.

Sambalpur Mahotsav was held for the first time in 1997 to revive dying forms of art. The festival has succeeded in giving a new lease of life to some of the art forms.

"The Lok Mahotsav is an amazing conglomeration of traditions and art. This is a platform which enhances and preserves our art, culture and heritage," said an artist, Manas Ranjan Jayapuria.