Bhubaneswar, June 23: The department of tourism and culture in association with Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi organised a three-day festival dedicated to western Odisha’s music.

The fest, Rangabati, named after the famous Sambalpuri song that was broadcast even on BBC London radio, enthralled viewers in its second edition.

Launched last year at the Rabindra Mandap in Bhubaneswar, the Rangabati festival was hosted at Cuttack’s Kala Vikas Kendra this year.

The opening evening on Wednesday had a blend of Sambalpuri music and dance.

Rhythm of pounding drums, accompanied by the melodious Sambalpuri songs, created an ambience of the grand festivities typical of the districts of western Odisha.

When the artistes hit the stage, their entertaining performances made the audience break into a dance.

Sabeswar Bhoi, a renowned singer of Bhawanipatna of Kalahandi district, was the first to perform. He regaled the audience with his presentation.

An orchestra by Dulduli Kala Parisad of Balangir followed Bhoi’s performance. The musicians with different percussion instruments and other local musical instruments enchanted the audience. Nupur Institute at Barpali of Baragarh district performed a Sambalpuri dance. They presented dance and music with rhythmic variations.

Jivanbhora Sagar orchestra of Sambalpur played traditional musical instruments.

The concluding rendition was Singhari by Prativa Institution of Bhawanipatna of Kalahandi district. It was a blend of Ghumura, Bajasal, Banabadi, Dhap and other traditional instruments. It was a lively presentation that included a wide range of songs dedicated to nature and day-to-day events of the people of Kalahandi.

The second day featured popular performances such as Rasarkeli, Jamudali, Sajani and Humanan performed by well-known singer Sasmita Sahu from Sundergarh.

Orchestra and dance by artistes of Bharni from Balangir, Paenri from Sonepur and Kahar from Sambalpur entertained the viewers.

The concluding evening started with rendition by noted singer Bibhutibhusan Pattnaik from Sambalpur who sang typical Sambalpuri songs.

This was followed by performances by artistes from Bhawanipatna, Sundergarh, Bargarh and Balangir.

The viewers were spellbound on all three days. “Sambalpuri songs and music has a unique texture. They create an urge in you to dance to you heart’s content and that is what happened today. My friends and I could not resist dancing in the auditorium,” said Sushil Swain, an art enthusiast.