Puri, May 25: The annual folk fair celebrating the tribal culture of the country and the rural heritage of different states has started off in Puri today. Members of different communities from all over India are taking part in it.

The cultural programme in the evening is hosted at the Muktakash Rangamancha near Gundicha Temple.

During the five-day festival, which entered its 13th year, dance forms from various tribal and folk communities will be presented.

Punjab's bhangra and Gujarati dandiya are very popular at the fair. This year, two dancers from the two states have taken part. Artistes from Northeast will also showcase their talent.

Tribal communities such as Saura, Kondh and Santal will display their festive celebrations that are marked by a community gathering, dancing and singing.

"Odisha is known for its tribal communities and their culture. It feels great to watch their performance," said Parmeet, a Punjabi dancer.

People visiting the fair can also buy agricultural products that are being showcased at the national agricultural exhibition hosted near Gundicha Temple. From plants and vegetables to products from floriculture, sericulture, dairy farming, poultry and even instruments and equipment or machines used in these farming sectors are being sold at the event.

"Through the folk fair, which is a dance and song festival for tribal groups and folk communities, we wish to establish the unity in the diverse culture of India. The exhibition provides opportunities to people, who take interest in agriculture for their living, to buy various things," said Rajesh Kumar Mohanty, general secretary of the host organisation Shree Shrikshetra Soochana.

The folk fair will conclude on May 29.