As part of the ongoing Odia Pakhya 2025 celebrations, the 10th day was dedicated to honoring and revitalizing the timeless spirit of Odisha’s folk traditions through the celebration titled “Lokakala Pai Dinatie” (A Day for Folk Art). The event was spearheaded by the Department of Odia Language, Literature, and Culture, with the vision of celebrating the soul of Odisha—its folk arts—and reconnecting people with their cultural roots.
ଲୋକକଳାର ପ୍ରଚାର ଓ ପ୍ରସାର କରିବା ସହିତ ଏହାକୁ ପୁନଃଶ୍ଚ ବିଶ୍ୱବିଦିତ କରାଇବା ପାଇଁ ଆଜି ଓଡ଼ିଆ ପକ୍ଷ ପାଳନର ଦଶମ ଦିବସରେ ଓଡ଼ିଆ ଭାଷା, ସାହିତ୍ୟ ଓ ସଂସ୍କୃତି ବିଭାଗ ପକ୍ଷରୁ “ଲୋକକଳା ପାଇଁ ଦିନଟିଏ” ଉତ୍ସବ ଆୟୋଜିତ ହୋଇଛି।
“ଲୋକକଳା ପାଇଁ ଦିନଟିଏ” ଉତ୍ସବ ପରିପ୍ରେକ୍ଷୀରେ ଆଜି ଓଡ଼ିଶାର ବିଭିନ୍ନ ଜିଲ୍ଲା ଏବଂ ଲୋକକଳା ଗ୍ରାମରେ… pic.twitter.com/B0vTK93wYY— I & PR Department, Odisha (@IPR_Odisha) April 10, 2025
The celebration aimed not only to preserve and protect Odisha’s rich tapestry of folk traditions but also to reintroduce them to newer generations and a wider global audience. The day witnessed enthusiastic participation from various districts, cultural institutions, and folk art villages across the state, where vibrant programs brought communities together.
Across Odisha, village squares, community halls, and open-air stages came alive with captivating performances of traditional folk dances like Danda Nata, Ghoda Nacha, Sambalpuri, Gotipua, and many more. Artists showcased unique regional art forms, storytelling traditions, folk music, and handcrafted artifacts, reflecting the diversity and depth of Odisha’s artistic expressions.
This celebration also served as a platform for local artisans and performers, many of whom belong to generations of folk practitioners, to share their work with appreciative audiences. Their dedication, often passed down orally and through practice, is a living example of the resilience and continuity of indigenous culture.
By dedicating an entire day to folk art, the initiative sent a powerful message—culture thrives when it is celebrated by its people. It rekindled interest among the youth, encouraged cultural pride, and underscored the need to protect and promote folk art as a vital part of Odisha’s identity.
In a time when modern entertainment often overshadows traditional practices, “Lokakala Pai Dinatie” stood out as a meaningful effort to ensure that these age-old art forms are not only remembered but also revered, revitalized, and reimagined for the future.