Kalahandi Utsav Ghumura
Official website of kalahandi utsav ghumura
Ghumura Mahostav 1997:The Eventful Beginning
“Ghumura Mahostav” as was known when launched almost 3 decades prior, in 1997, was part of a Protocal on Culture, formulated by the then Government of Odisha.No doubt, the then Collector, Kalahandi, spearheaded the conceptualization and realization of such a Mahostav.But he was not the sole pioneer, as a handful of intellectuals and others played the role of a thinking tank behind.The “Kala Jharan”, the index of Kalahandi Utsav, is the brain child of these intellectuals.
Over the years, Kalahandi Utsav has undergone a metamorphosis, from a mere show of folk tradition to the grand revelation of a cultural heritage that echoes even at the international forums.
The Grand Mashaal Yatra or Torch March:The Countdown Starts
As is our custom, an event must start with the ignition of the holy “Mashaal” or torch or flame, invoking the Gods and Goddesses for their favor and blessings, and the eventful Kalahandi Utsav is no exception to it.But, here too, the Utsav has its own unique way.Before the entire action has shifted to the Rendo Majhi and Parba Platforms, Mashaals are flared up in 11 different “Shakti Peeth” or Seats of Shakti separately, followed by ‘Mashaal Yatra’ or torch march which usually accompanies the play of Ghumura and other martial music.These Mashaals are brought in festive procession to the Gandhi Chowk, Bhawanipatna.Then, again, on the morning of 14th January, all these 11 Mashaals are taken, midst huge gathering and fun-fare, to the Manikeswari Temple where Goddess Manikeswari’s goodwill and protection is sought through kindling the holy bright.Now, these 12 Mashaals are carried with renewed enthusiasm and excitement to the Lal Bahadur Sastri Stadium for the grand inauguration of the Kalahandi Utsav Ghumura.
Involvement of Womenfolk
Kalahandi Utsav normally kicks off in the second week of January, with the organization of different events at the Panchayat Level and then at the Block and NAC Level, and even at the Sub-Divisional Level.Efforts are persistently made to unearth the rural talents from different spheres and assimilate them into the mainstream culture of the District.Here, women are provided ample scope and opportunity to showcase their age- old and traditional skill.The conduction of such events as ‘Jhoti’, ‘hulhuli’ etc. is surely an endeavour to revive their ancient charm and ethnic beauty.
The Kabita Pathostav
The Kabita Pathostav, organized at Town Hall, as an integral part of the Utsav, on the 15th of January, is yet another attempt at tracing out the budding creative talent. Poets of varied age-groups, drawn from the nook and cranny of the District, exhibit their poetic sparks, and develop a spirit of poetic solidarity and fraternity.
Promotion of Ghumura, The Vir Badya, and Other Indigenous Traditional Dance Numbers
The curious onlookers relive the past splendour and legacy of Kalahandi in the much anticipated Ghumura Competition, the mainstay fascination of the Utsav, on the charged carpet of Rendo Majhi Mancha in the Lal Bahadur Sastri Stadium, the epicenter of Kalahandi Utsav.Ghumura is indubitably the voice of Kalahandi Utsav and the heart and soul of Kalahandi.This goosebumps-arousing martial music or ‘vir badya’ has outspread its charm and majesty far and across the globe through Kalahandi Utsav.Ghumura has fruitfully been rejuvenated in the worthy hands of the Utsav.
Not only Ghumura, yet a handful of other such indigenous traditional dance numbers as ‘banabadi’, ‘dhap’, ‘singbaja’, ‘dandri’, ‘bajasal’, ‘mudtopu’, etc. have captured a wide coverage through the Rendo Majhi Platform.These folk items have now gone to become familiar to the urban netizens.
Fostering The Spirit of Cultural Fraternity
Even, dance items, beyond Kalahandi, are frequently being endorsed under the aegis of Kalahandi Utsav.Dance and music troupes, far and across the state, are invited to perform their histrionic craft.Thus, Kalahandi Utsav serves as a gateway to the assimilation and exchange of diverse culture and ethnicity, fostering the spirit of cultural fraternity.
Honors and Distinctions
The bestowal of such honors as Kalahandi Ratna or Kalahandi Baraputra is otherwise a promotion of genuine ventures that have been undertaken in multifaceted walks of life for the advancement of Kalahandi, in real sense.Such distinctions and felicitations from the Rendo Majhi Floor are a stimuli for the upcoming generation to strive for the all-round growth of Kalahandi.
Again, the recognition conferred upon meritorious students is an uplifting boost to harness their inherent potential for the growth of Kalahandi in days ahead.
A Curious fusion of Tradition & Modernity
Kalahandi Utsav-Ghumura is a curious fusion of tradition and modernity.A number of stands and kiosks sell and exhibit purely conventional recipes as pickles, whereas some others deal in crispy and juicy fast foods. There are no dearth of a brilliant display of agricultural and handlooms products, ethnic artifacts, handicrafts, and a wide range of items in multitude.
Kalahandi Utsav is an amalgamation or even a melting point of divergent commodities and merchandises. It’s as disparate as her sylvan and pristine landscape, a land of plains and hills.It’s a cultural extravaganza, a true voice of virgin Kalahandi.