Koraput, Dec, 06: It is a matter of pride for us, but there is a significant issue with the festival banners. While the image of our Koraput people is displayed on the banners, when it comes to the actual stage of the celebration, there is no real representation of a Koraputian person—be it intellectuals or artists. The main purpose of the festival is to bring traditional art to the people. However, here, the festival is being conducted with school students who are copying the traditional dance, and the original dance, songs, and art come from the rural areas, from villages, from the panchayats. The true essence of the festival is missing.
The original traditional songs, dances, and local performances—like the “Dhembu” dance, Pitala Mahiri, Dharmaka, and traditional rituals—are not being featured. Instead, we see copies of these performances. The festival is meant to showcase the beauty of these traditional arts, but now it is being reduced to a program for introducing local leaders, officials, and government employees.
On the occasion of today’s block-level festival at Dashmanpur, the excitement and enthusiasm seem to be fading, and in the nearby areas of the village, even in the blocks, traditional dances and sports are absent. Anganwadi workers, MBK, CRP, Asha workers, and PIOs are involved, but the festival is not showcasing the true essence of Koraput’s culture. Leaders and local people have raised concerns, and there has been significant criticism from various Panchayat members about the lack of authentic representation.
In the future, we hope that the artists and people from rural areas will get a chance to display their talents, so that the festival can truly reflect the traditional and cultural spirit. This was emphasized by video footage shared by Dr. Siddheshwar Nayak, a local leader.
As part of the festival, dignitaries like the District Congress President Rupak Turuk, BJP District President Shib Muduli, and local leaders including Pabitra Sauna, Kailash Kulesika, and former MLA Kailas Kulesika were present, along with other significant personalities who participated in the event. The festival’s aim was to showcase the essence of traditional art, but the celebration has been overshadowed by the political involvement of local officials.
After the inauguration, the local MLA participated in a procession and held a flag hoisting ceremony, marking the beginning of the event. Various traditional dances and performances were held, including performances by artists Arun Kumar Chethi, Pankaj Kumar Bagh, and others, showcasing the rural traditions of Koraput.
However, there are still concerns about the festival’s true purpose. The goal should have been to showcase the traditional arts from the village to the block and further up to the district and state levels. Some officials and local leaders expressed disappointment that this had not been achieved, and emphasized that this year’s festival should not just be a political showcase, but rather a celebration of the true spirit of Koraput’s cultural heritage. The local public and leaders have voiced their dissatisfaction with the event, and criticism has been directed at the lack of authenticity in the performances.
In conclusion, there is a need for more genuine representation of the region’s cultural essence in such festivals. This will ensure that the tradition is preserved and showcased in its true form, benefiting the community and its cultural pride.
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