Artistes from Mayurbhanj perform Karma geet on the occasion of 150th anniversary of the income tax department at Jayadev Bhavan in Bhubaneswar. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, July 26: A kaleidoscope of folk music and dance forms of the state was showcased at a cultural evening held at Jayadev Bhavan here on Sunday.

The audience witnessed some fascinating performances by artistes from all over the state. Veteran artistes played the unique musical instrument, kendara, belonging to Kendrapada at the event accompanied by the remarkable folk songs called kendara geeta. The instrument that was once used by devotional singers in Kendrapada district is on the verge of extinction today.

As per tradition, the singers were clad in saffron attire.

Artistes from Bhanjanagar, dressed in colourful attire and flaunting tribal accessories such as beaded headbands and feather clips, presented the chadheya chadheyuni dance, which won many hearts due to the energetic beats and dance steps.

Artistes from Mayurbhanj and Nayagarh performed folk music forms such as karma and dhudki, respectively.

“The vibrant folk dance and music forms can bring anyone into a mood of celebration. It is surprising how these folk performing arts are waning out slowly,” said Rabindra Kumar Sahoo, a viewer.

“The appreciation of the audience living in the capital was heart warming and encouraging. If more such events are organised in such urban regions, our dying folk music can be saved,” said an artiste of the chadheya chadeyuni troupe.

Among other music forms, the ghumura, gahana, saura geeta, jhumar, dhaba geeta and dadaria were performed during the programme. The income tax department conducted the event to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the department across the country.