Sonepur/Baripada: Play and dance take centre stage to promote the cultural activities of Sonepur and Mayurbhanj districts.

The first evening of Rastriya Naat Mela in Sonepur saw three plays. Dark comedy Night Hospital by Binapani Natyakala Sansad of Badkarle, social drama Jhara Sephali by Ahwan of Jajpur and patriotic play Sahidrani Zeenat Begum by Kalika Dance and Music Academy of Rourkela were staged in an event organised by the Nodal Association of Amateur Theatre of Sonepur.

Sahidrani Zeenat Begum tells the story of Zeenat, a dancer who laid her life for the country during the first war of Independence in 1857. Director Dhaneswar Sahu said: "There is no mention of Zeenat Begum in history books. But, she would be remembered for her sacrifice for her mother land."

Jhara Sephali explores the finer aspects of life like love and betrayal. The play was written by Basant Kumar Das was directed by Biswajit Sahu. Night Hospital, written and directed by Sumanta Bhoi.

In another development, Chaitra Parva, a three-day festival of showcasing skills of chhau artistes of Mayurbhanj, concluded on Saturday.

"This annual fest has been organised since the times of the Bhanjdeo dynasty when Mayurbhanj was an independent state," said local resident Bibhudata Das. "The objective is to promote the art and encourage the artistes."

"For the past few years, the event is organised by the district administration with the help of culture department and other volunteer organisations," he said.

During these three days, artistes from far and wide come to Baripada to exhibit their talents. It is held in the Chhau padia.

On the first night, thirteen troupes from the rural pockets showcased their skills. On the next two nights, the show was managed by two troupes - Uttar Sahi and Dakhin Sahi.

"The area north to rajbati (king's palace) is known as Uttar Sahi and to the south as Dakhin Sahi. The queen's troupe belongs to Uttar Sahi, while the king's men are from Dakhin Sahi," said local resident Ashok Dalbehera.