Jeypore ,June 22 {UDN}: On the second day of Raja Parba, Odisha’s traditional agrarian festival, the Aranyaka Story Gathering was successfully organized in a pine forest near Bagra in Koraput district. Storytellers from different parts of Odisha participated in the event.
The gathering, organized amidst a serene natural setting with storytellers narrating their stories on a bed of pine needles, created a highly enchanting atmosphere. The event was convened by Bijaya Pradhan (Paikamal, Bargarh), organized by Rudra Prasanna Biswal, and conducted by storyteller Meena Swain. Bijayalakshmi Panigrahi coordinated the program, while Pushpalata Muduli delivered the vote of thanks.
Storytellers from various districts of Odisha, including Sachidananda Pradhan, Pradeshi Barik, Bijaya Pradhan, Sabitri Purohit, Pritinanda Panigrahi, Suniti Devata, Pushpa Narayan, and Abha Arya, participated in the event. Local storytellers such as Meena Swain, Rudra Prasanna Biswal, Bijaya Pradhan, Ramesh Sahu, Ravi Satpathy, Shubha Narayan Swain, Niranjan Panigrahi, Bijayalakshmi Panigrahi, Pushpalata Muduli, Pankaj Mahanti, and Samarpita Panigrahi, among others, also presented their stories.
The stories presented conveyed meaningful social messages, while the participants from different regions shared their experiences and expressed their deep admiration for the natural beauty of Koraput. Traditional Koraput delicacies, including ragi (finger millet) soup, coffee, and lunch, delighted all attendees.
The Aranyaka family has been organizing such story gatherings in natural surroundings with the objective of promoting cultural exchange across districts. It has been decided that the event will continue for two days and be held at various scenic locations in Koraput, including Kolab, the foothills of Deomali, Talamali, and other places.
During the gathering, the sound of the wind through the pine forest created the illusion of ocean waves, while the chirping of birds added a musical touch to the storytelling sessions. The program, held in the lap of nature, not only inspired literary creativity but also fostered friendship, brotherhood, and cultural bonding among the participants.
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