Bhubaneswar, July 23: With the entire state celebrating the 200 years of Paika Vidroh (revolt), Patha Utsav, the street festival of the city, was also not left behind.
From a 10-year-old girl to a man in his fifties, the Paika Akhada artistes from across the state displayed their daredevil skills at the event today.
The Paika Akhada portrays fighting techniques of the "paikas" or warriors through a dance form. Using weapons such as various types of swords and sticks, the dancers showcased many war episodes.
"The rhythm of the dance recitals recalled the gallantry marches of the paikas against the British. It was a treat to the eyes," said Anisha Nayak, a participant. Apart from the stage, the paika artistes also performed on the streets.
The music session started with the famous song on paika heroes - originally sung by Akshaya Mohanty. Another singer Bibhu Kishore was one of the key attractions.
The culture department, in collaboration with the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, organised the event. The state government has already demanded to declare the Paika revolt as the first war of Independence.
On the other hand, Patha Utsav will take a break for sometime because of rains. "The next session of the event will start soon after the Durga Puja festival," said mayor Ananta Narayan Jena.
A number of social had also organised drawing, painting and street plays. The street fest Rahagiri started on January 17 last year and it had been held on 27 occasions. The event was later renamed Patha Utsav and the street fest has completed its 35th week.
Braving the rain, around 15 kids from the Sri Gayatri Vidya Vikas Education Trust and a number of poor kids from the slum areas at Chandrasekharpur took part in the Ekamra Walks today.
Himani Sahoo, one of the young participants, termed the walk as an exciting outing for kids. "The monuments speak so much about our culture. It was really fun to be here," said Himani.
The students, accompanied by their schoolteachers, got the company of another group from the ICICI Academy for Skills, Bhubaneswar. The walk had 70 participants, including those from Paris and New Delhi.
Debjit Paul Choudhury, an IT industry expert, who lives in Paris, was a guest today. "I regularly come here on project related work. But today after watching the event, I discovered a new Bhubaneswar," he said.
Dipesh Satapathy, a communication expert from New Delhi, also found the walk fascinating. "I belong to the city, but after Class X, went to Delhi and have been staying there. I came to know about my city in a new manner today," he said.
Ekamra Walks - the guided heritage walk of the city - entered its 32nd edition with the participants having a tryst with the Kalingan architecture and Odissi dance by students of the Art Vision run by Ileana Citaristi.
