Bhubaneswar, Jan. 12: Mayurbhanj Utsav, which was organised by the Mayurbhanj Cultural Association at the Bhasa Prachar Sabha ground, concluded here on Sunday.

The three-day-long festival aimed at highlighting the culture and heritage of the Mayurbhanj district. Traditional artistes from the district performed captivating dance forms like Chhau and Jhumur.

Accompanied by the rhythms of Mahuri and drums, a group of ten artistes enthralled the audience with a Chhau rendition. The artistes, with vibrant costumes and swords, showed great vigour and energy.

The fair attracted a large number of visitors who had the opportunity to witness Jhumur, the popular dance form. The dancers belong to the cultural group Shabnam that is an integral part of the Kudumi community of Mayurbhanj.

A number of dance recitals portraying the life and culture of various tribal communities of the district were also presented.

Renowned movie stars of Mayurbhanj including Pappu Pom Pom, Bijay Mohanty, Uttam Mohanty, and Aparajita Mohanty attended the event.

The Jubilee library building of Baripada was beautifully replicated on the backdrop of the stage.

In 2012, the backdrop had depicted the palace of the Maharaja of Mayurbhanj. In 2013 and 2014, the Barehipani Falls and the Kichakeswari temple of Khiching had been portrayed on it.

The visitors also relished the culinary delights of Mayurbhanj. Famous delicacies including mudi-mansa, dala khichdi and ram ruchuka were being served at around 10 food kiosks.

'I spent an eventful evening here. Along with the enchanting tribal dances, I also enjoyed having mudi-mansa, which is not always available,' said Swetapriya Routray, a 34-year-old homemaker.

'We want to provide the tribal artistes with a platform to showcase their unique skills in front of an urban audience. Besides, the district has many scenic and historic places that have immense tourism potential. We wanted to promote them as well,' said sports minister Sudam Marandi, who is also the chairman of the organising committee.