Kosal Discussion and Development Forum

Balangir Lok Utsav observed at the Kosal Kala Mandap

December 24, 2010 at 12:56 pm sanjibkarmee Leave a comment

Following is a report from the Pioneer:

Curtains downed on the four-day-long cultural extravaganza Balangir Lok Utsav, the annual showcase of art, culture, folkdance and song of the district here on Wednesday with a resolve to observe the Lok Utsav next year with more enthusiasm and gaiety. The Lok Ustav had kick started on Sunday.

Gracing the valedictory evening, Planning and Coordination Minister AU Singh Deo lauded the efforts of the Lok Utsav committee organisers for providing a platform to the talents in music, dance and other cultural forms of the district. Singh Deo recalled the then Raja Rajendra Narayan Singh Deo’s number of pioneering steps like publication of magazines and staging of plays at the local Kosal Kala Mandal to boost art and culture of the district.

Observing the art, culture and music of Balangir and western Odisha as unique and enchanting, the local MLA cum Minister opined for a State-level Mahostav at par with the Konark Festival anywhere in western Odisha so that the talents are highlighted in a better way.

The Odissi dance presented by Saswat Joshi on the concluding day enthralled the audience followed by the enchanting Assamese Bihu dance.

Earlier, the inaugural evening had been graced by local MP Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, ZP president Bhanumati Rout and former local MLA Narasingh Mishra.

Several artistes, including Bharat Chandra Mishra, Paramananda Chhuria, Sheshdev Das, Benudhar Putel, Chandhradhwaj Singhbhoi and Biranchi Narayan were honoured. However, most of them rued for not being recognised early.

“I am 80 years old, but the Lok Utsav committee is recognising me in its 10th year,” lamented veteran Leela Natyakar Chhuria.

The similar feeling was also echoed by Seshdev Das. “Please take steps to keep alive the art and culture of Balangir in Kantabanji area as it is fast turning a Hindi belt,” Das complained.

While the ORMAS Mela did a brisk business, two Government stalls of the horticulture and watershed mission were adjudged the best stall amid the resentments by officials of other departments. District Collector SNDey thanked all for making the Lok Utsav a grand success.

Entry filed under: Balangir, Kosli Culture, Lok mahotsav, Region watch.