Posts filed under ‘Lok mahotsav’
Maraguda Mahotsav: Celebration of Rich Culture and History of South Kosal
Earlier on Facebook I have written about this. Following is a paragraph from that:
I appreciate the MARAGUDA MAHOTSAV 2012 celebrations. But, what is this celebration all about? What is Maraguda? How many people in Nuapada-Kalahandi belt know about Maraguda civilization? What is the Odisha and Indian govt. doing to preserve the remains of Maraguda valley? Were these issues discussed during this celebration? From village to country, every region of India has its own history. Maraguda was the capital area of South Kosal kingdom. As a native of western Odisha I feel very proud about Maraguda civilization. Has anyone from Nuapada writing a book on the rich history of Kosal? Are you guys trying to convert this historical site to a tourist spot? If not please give a proposal to local MPs/MLAs. I will be glad to assist you.
The following report from Sambad talks about historical aspects of Maraguda civilization:
Folk dances enthral audience at Sambalpur
Following report is from expressbuzz.com:
SAMBALPUR: Even as Sambalpur shivered, the biting cold could not deter art lovers from thronging the Gangadhar Mukti Manch on the second day of the 15th Sambalpur Lok Mahotsav here this evening.
The evening began with traditional folk song of the district followed by solo performance of ‘Dhunkel’, a musical instrument on the verge of extinction. It was followed by foot-tapping folk dances of Dalkhai by artistes from Sambalpur, Sohala Suanga and Ravanchaya dances by artistes from Angul, Daka of Phulbani, Jamudali by artistes from Sonepur, Bajasaal by artistes from Kesinga in Kalahandi and Dandari dance from Jharsuguda.
Besides, folk dances like Mathuri from Andhra Pradesh, Gajijhumar from West Bengal and Holi by a troupe from Madhya Pradesh captivated the audience. Devoid of much of entertainment, the gathering left impressed and spellbound with scintillating performance by the folk artistes.
Sambalpur University Vice- Chancellor AK Pujari, Chairman of Orissa Lift Irrigation Corporation Rohit Pujari, MARKFED Chairman Prabhataditya Mishra attended.
Balangir Lok Utsav observed at the Kosal Kala Mandap
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.
Some information about the cultural and linguistic identity of Koshal Region or Western Orissa
Following information is taken from The Sambalpur Lok Mahotsav web page:
The association says western Orissa has developed a unique culture which expresses itself in a language called Sambalpuri that is distinct from Oriya. The folk songs and dances of Sambalpur are not only expressions of emotions but also of finer elements of life and living scientifically, fused into the rhythm of the percussion instruments of the region. In fact, the songs and dances have been revived and recognised in the past quarter of a century. In Orissa, Sambalpuri dance is so popular that it comes next only to the State’s classical dance, Odissi.
The Sambalpuri dance has a number of forms, with different lyrics and rhythms, that have originated from different castes/tribes and ethnic groups in the area and are based on different religious festivals/rituals and deities. Although a number of folk instruments were used in Sambalpuri music, song and dance, only four among the oldest percussion instruments such as dhol, mandal, nishan and tasha are now used, the association says.
Tours to Sambalpur are unforgettable journeys through the varying landscapes, rich cultural and folk traditions, and art forms that are unique to the western region of Orissa. Long considered a gateway to unlocking the treasures of beauty and art housed within Orissa, tours to Sambalpur is a must at least once in your lifetime.
A famous university town in Orissa, Sambalpur has fascinating escapes all planned for the adventurous traveler who wills to explore the raw gregarious beauty of the region. Tourism of Orissa helps you realize your wishes with its customized tour packages to Sambalpur.
Covered in dense evergreen forests, Sambalpur is an exposition of waterfalls, wildlife, tribal culture, folk dance and music, handicrafts and monuments. Known as Sambalaka in Ptolemy’s account of Orissa, Sambalpur was once the center of Vajrayana Buddhism propagated by the then ruler of the region – Indrabhuti. The major tourist attractions within Sambalpur are the temples of Samaleswari, Patneswari, Budha Raja, Brahmapura and the Gopaljee monastery. Also shop in the local markets such as the Gole Bazaar and the state emporiums or co-operatives for Sambalpuri textiles (ikat weaving). You can also attend a show of Sambalpuri dance in the nearby tribal villages.
There are many attractions within easy reach of Sambalpur that ought not to be missed on your tour to Sambalpur, Orissa. Hirakud Dam across the mighty Mahanadi River is the longest dam in the world that affords breathtaking view of the expansive river and the banks that recede from view. The most spectacular views can be seen from the minarets at the two ends of the dam – Gandhi and Nehru Minar.
Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary and the Badrama National Park are popular tourist destinations with the wildlife enthusiasts. The national park and sanctuary extend shelter to endangered species such as elephants, tigers, gours, sambars, black-panthers, deers and wild boar.
Other places that are also popular tourist destinations in Rourkela include the temples of Vidala-Nrusimha and Harisankar along with the mesmerizing waterfalls at Nrusimhanath; the only Leaning Temple of Orissa at Huma; caves with undeciphered pictographic inscriptions at Vikramkhol; and waterfalls of the Pradhanpat Hills.
There are many hotels and lodges in Sambalpur where you can stay comfortably during your tour to Sambalpur.
The western Orissa has also great variety of dance forms unique to Orissa culture.The children’s verses are known as “Chhiollai”, “Humobauli” and “Dauligit”, the adolescent poems are “Sajani”, “Chhata”, “Daika”, “Bhekani” : the eternal youth composes “Rasarkeli”, “Jaiphul”, “Maila Jada”, “Bayamana”, “Gunchikuta” and “Dalkhai”, The work-man’s poetry comprises “Karma” and “Jhumer” pertaining to Vishwakarma and the “Karamashani” deities. The professional entertainers perform Dand, Danggada, Mudgada, Ghumra, Sadhana, sabar – Sabaren, Disdigo, Nachina – Bajnia, Samparda and Sanchar. They are for all occasions, for all time with varieties of rhythm and rhyme. Pala is a unique form of balladry in Orissa, which artistically combines elements of theatre, classical Odissi music, highly refined Oriya and Sanskrit poetry, wit, and humour. The literal meaning of pala is turn. It is more sophisticated than the other Oriya ballad tradition, Daskathia. Pala is presented in three ways. The names can be mentioned as baithaki or `seated`, in which the performers sit on the ground throughout. The other one is thia or `standing`. This is more popular and aesthetically more satisfying, in which they stand. Badi is a kind of thia in which two groups vie for excellence. This is the most entertaining, as there is an element of competition.
Sambalpur Lok Mahotsav starts with much fanfare at Gangadhar Mandap
Following is a report from The Pioneer:
The three-day long 14th Sambalpur Lok Mahotsav began with much fanfare at Gangadhar Mandap here on Thursday. Jointly organised by the District Council of Culture, State Culture and Tourism Department and Kolkata-based East Zone Cultural Centre, Governor MC Bhandare inaugurated it.
Collector Hemanta Kumar Das presided over the function. Bhandare said that such occasions help in preserving the folk song, dance and culture and besides providing a common platform to the artists from across the country, it strengthens national integration and harmony.
The function began with Ghanta Badya of Padiabahal followed by Jaiphula of Sambalpur. Rajasthani troupe performed Kalbheliya — a folk dance of the snake charmers’ community.
While Bihu of Assam kept the audience spellbound, Parva of Sonepur and Phaag of Harayana were other major attractions of the evening.
Sidhi Dhamal of Gujarat, Sanchaar of Bargarh, Ranapa of Ganjam, Jindua and Bhangda of Punjab were among other folk dances that kept the audience enthralled till late night. Apart from the folk dances, literary discussions will also be a part of the Mohatsav, informed Organising Committee members Pradip Bahidar and Bhajaram Mahapatra.
“Due to certain reasons it could not be held on its stipulated dates in the first week of January, but we would stick to it from next year,” the Collector said.
All the three local MLAs and Zilla Parishad president were present at the inaugural function.
Kosal Discussion and Development Forum 