Artistes perform different types of dance on the inaugural day of the Gajapati Utsav in Berhampur. Telegraph pictures

Berhampur, Jan. 9: Tribal tradition and culture was reflected in various dance forms presented at the Gajapati Utsav.

The festival that was inaugurated on Friday is being organised at Gajapati Stadium in Paralakhemundi.

The famous Chandragiri Monastery forms the backdrop of the festival.

Soura dance of Mohana and Gumma block, known as Kusumailangee dance, performed by the artists of Kasturba Gandhi School, Kasinagar, depicted traditions of tribal marriage.

About 20 artistes from Nuagada block of the Lanjia Soura tribe performed the dance. The dance illustrated the rituals of marriage of a young tribal girl. The dance was performed for about 10 minutes and the participants danced to the tunes tribal musical instruments made of bamboo and earthen pots.

Viewers also appreciated the Ghumura dance by artistes from Ganjam.

Presentation of Dasabhuja dance by eight young girls from Jayashree Academy Paralakhemundi to the tune of Gayatri Mantra was another attraction during the inaugural day.

Odissi dance by Bhakti Sangeet Sansad, chau dance from Purulia in Bengal, Gotipua dance by the artistes from Puri, Bharatnatyam by Natraj Kalakshetra Paralakhemundi, Ganesh bandana by Creative Arts, Bandemataram dance by physically-challenged artistes from Kasinagar, modern dance Jai-Ho by the artistes from Mohana, yogasan by the youths from Berhampur, Sambalpuri dance by the artistes from Sambalpur, Kuchipudi dance Siva Tandavam by the artiste from Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh and Kuchipudi to the tune of Hanuman Chalisa by the artistes cast a spell on the audience.

“The objective of this Utsav is to highlight the historic and cultural traditions of tribal dominated Gajapati district. The budding artistes of the district showcased their talents,” said Prakash Chandra Das, collector.

Inaugurating the festival, revenue minister Surya Narayan Patra said: “The Gajapati Utsav can bring to limelight many hidden talents of the district.”

Apart from the cultural fare, the 127 kiosks at the festival are a huge hit, particularly with youngsters who are here to enjoy the evenings.