Posts in category: Launch

he fourth evening of the 28th Kalahandi Utsav–Ghumura 2026 unfolded as a mesmerizing confluence of culture, vision, and celebration, leaving an indelible impression on thousands of spectators.
Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, Dr. Nibedita Nath, Vice-Chancellor of Maa Manikeshwari University, Kalahandi, highlighted the immense natural wealth of the region. She emphasized that Kalahandi, endowed with pristine sylvan beauty, holds vast potential for eco-tourism, which must be harnessed through conscious and collective efforts. Urging the youth to look beyond conventional job markets, she encouraged them to embrace self-reliance and entrepreneurship, leveraging modern know-how to carve their own paths. She asserted that Kalahandi’s youth must set global examples—not only in art, culture, and tradition, but also in sustainable self-dependence.

The session was presided over by Sri Sachin Prakash Pawar, District Collector and Chairman, District Cultural Council. The Guests of Honour included Sri Tanmaya Darwan, ADM (General); Sri Baitura Deep, ADM (Revenue); and Sri Chandan Senapati, Block Chairman, Kesinga.The Welcome Address was delivered by Sri Dayamaha Padhi, CEO, Zilla Parishad, while the Vote of Thanks was proposed by Sri Vivekananda Mahanand, District Culture Officer. Sri Satya Narayan Mundchhina efficiently coordinated the stage proceedings.

The cultural extravaganza began with a vibrant first session featuring Bajasaal by Nrutyaprava Anusthan, the energetic ‘Dhap’ dance of Lanjigarh, and the traditional ‘Ghudka’ dance presented by Sanskruti, all of which captivated the audience.

The second session showcased India’s rich cultural diversity through spellbinding performances of Odissi, Bihu of Assam, Chhau of Mayurbhanj, and Sindhi Dhamal of Gujarat on the Sahid Rendo Majhi Platform.

Simultaneously, the Parba Open Platform buzzed with enthusiasm as nearly 40 solo and group dance performances enthralled spectators with their rhythm and creativity.

As the magical fourth night drew to a close, Star Night performances led by Antra Chakraborty and Asish Kumbhar cast a spell over lakhs of spectators, marking a spectacular and unforgettable culmination.

— Chandrachud Behera (Pranab)

Bhawanipatna: The second glittering night of Kalahandi Utsav–Ghumura 2026 unfolded as a vibrant celebration of culture, tradition, and artistic harmony at the Sahid Rendo Majhi Platform, which turned into the epicentre of a grand folk fiesta on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, Sangram Keshari Mahapatra, Commissioner, Southern Revenue Division, Odisha, showered rich praise on Kalahandi and its people. He described Kalahandi as “a unique domain of art,” noting that while the life of a common Kalahandia is simple, the people possess an innate ability to embrace strangers as their own.“Kalahandi is not merely a piece of land but a melodious note that creates deep ripples in the heart,” he remarked, adding that the region’s warmth and hospitality leave a lasting impression on every visitor. He also expressed happiness over the all-round progress of the people of the district.

The programme was presided over by District Collector Sri Sachin Power. The Executive Officer, Zilla Parishad, delivered the welcome address, while the District Collector himself proposed the vote of thanks.

The cultural evening witnessed spellbinding performances by folk dance troupes from different parts of the country, reflecting India’s rich cultural diversity. Notable performances included Boda Dance of Assam, Sindhi Dhamal of Gujarat, Labani from Maharashtra, and Kashmiri Dance, each drawing thunderous applause from the audience.

The celebrations reached a crescendo during the Star Night, where mesmerizing Sambalpuri folk performances by Amar Dash and his troupe enthralled the spectators and kept them captivated till midnight, marking the second night of the festival as a memorable cultural extravaganza.

By Chandrachud Behera (Pranab)

“A poet must must have a tinge of compassion, sensitivity and humanity while giving a poetic touch to the occurrences around him like Lord Buddha’s sermon”, commented Sri Basudeb Sunani, eminent poet, writer and researcher, attending as a Chief Guest on occasion of the Poetic Conclave, organized at Town Hall this morning, as a mainstay part of Kalahandi Utsav-Ghumura 2026.

Around 200 poets, drawn across the nook and crannies of Kalahandi read out their masterpieces.These poems had been amalgamated into a poetic edition, named “Nishan”, which was released on the occasion.

In presence of Dr Tapan Rath, Chairman, Poetic Meet;Sri Satya Narayan Mundchhina, Vice-chairman;and Sri Dileswar Rana,Convenor, Sri Jayadrath Suna, eminent poet, had offered the welcome tune and guests’ introduction.

Another fascination of this Meet was the unfurling of “Hasyam Saranam Gachhami”, an anthology by Sohanlal Arawal, the eminent satirical Poet.

The 28th edition of KALAHANDI UTSAV-GHUMURA, the Mahakumbh of folk fiesta of Kalahandi got launched to an imposing opening this afternoon at SAHID RENDO MAJHI MANCH in LAL BAHADUR SASTRI STADIUM, BHAWANIPATNA.
“Kalahandi’s glory and dignity will live and shine through ages, and serve as a motivation for the organization of such folk festivals across the length and breadth of the country”, opined the dignitaries present.

Sri Sujit Kumar, MP, Rajya Sabha, joined as the Chief Guest, whereas Sri Sudhir Ranjan Pattajoshi, MLA, Dharamgarh, and Sri Puspendu Singh Deo, Chairman,
Zilla Parishad, were the Guests of Honor.Sri Sachin Power, District Collector and Chairman, District Cultural Council, offered the welcome note, presiding over the inaugural session, and Sri Tanmaya Darwan, ADM, extended the Vote of Thanks.

Different personalities from varied walks of life were felicitated for their excellence in respective fields.
“Nishan”, the mouthpiece of District Level Poetic Meet, and “Kalahandia Barnabodha” by Biranchi Narayan Mund were launched on the occasion. Again, Ghumura troupes that had excelled in the District Level Competition were awarded.Different Dance troupes from within and outside the state exhibited their exquisite dance skills and enthralled the audience who watched awe-struck till late night.

Sri Umesh Satpathy and Satya Narayan Mahapatra coordinated the proceedings with their oratorial ingenuity.