Jodi sankho artistes perform at the Mahanagar Mahotsav in Berhampur Khallikot college ground. Picture by Gopal Krishna Reddy.

Berhampur, Jan. 13: Local artistes of ‘Greater Berhampur’ — comprising the Silk City, Gopalpur and Chatrapur enthralled the audience at the Mahanagar Mahotsav — which was organised in the city for the first time.

Artistes of Maa Samaleswari Natya Sansad Narendrapur in Ganjam blew conches and beat cymbals to kick-off the event. About 16 artistes danced and formed pyramids in perfect discipline with continuous blowing of conches. The artistes of Angahar performed Odissi dance, Sargam Melody of Gopalpur thrilled the audience with songs and child artistes of Swastik Creative performed modern dance to the tune of Vande Mataram.

The organisers said that those who performed at the Mahanagar Mahotsav did not get a chance to show their talents at the recent Gopalpur Beach Festival or the Ganjam Mahotsav in Berhampur.

“The recently concluded Gopalpur Beach Festival and the Ganjam Mahotsav showcased art and artistes from different districts and states. But still many budding local artistes could not get a chance. They feel neglected and need a platform to showcase their talents,” said president of the Mahanagar Mahotsav Organising Committee Sudhanshu Sekhar Panda.

After clamouring for several years, the people of the region the state government granted municipal corporation status to Berhampur. Except for the change in its nomenclature, there is no other impressive change visible in the structure, said Panda. “Organising Mahanagar Mahotsav at this critical juncture is a step forward to highlight the formation of Greater Berhampur,” he said.

“Apart from cultural programmes, we have decided to organise discussion on separate topics concerning local issues on each day to give a regional touch to the festival and remind others to stress on formation of a Greater Berhampur,” said secretary of Mahotsav Organising Committee Gopal Patnaik.

The topics to be discussed include review on the formation of Greater Berhampur, potential for development of tourism sector and preservation of local culture, development of mass education system, expansion of the geographical limits of Berhampur Municipal Corporation and the health services, necessity of a third drinking water project for Berhampur and necessity of Southern Development Council.

The organisers have also decided to present ‘Bhanja Yuva Samman’ award every year to an outstanding youth of the region who has glorified the name of this region in national and international arena.

The production group of SB-3, who produced a talent search project through devotional songs of the budding artistes ‘To Binu Anya Gati Nahin’ has also played a vital role in the festival.