Rashtrapati Bhavan Resonates with Koraputia Dhemsa as Traditional Dance Highlights Nuakhai Celebration in New Delhi

Kotpad,Oct 3 [UDN}:: From the rural heartland of Koraput to the national capital, the traditional Koraputia Dhemsa dance received a prestigious platform at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi during a cultural programme organised to mark the Nuakhai festival.

Artists from the Kotpad Kala Bikash Kendra performed the traditional Dhemsa dance before President Droupadi Murmu and other distinguished guests at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The vibrant performance by the Kotpad artists earned appreciation from the audience and showcased the rich cultural heritage of Koraput district on a national stage.

As part of the Nuakhai celebrations, cultural groups representing different regions of Odisha were invited to present their traditional art forms. The artists of Kotpad Kala Bikash Kendra represented Koraput with their traditional Dhemsa performance.

The rhythmic beats, coordinated movements and collective presentation of Dhemsa became one of the major attractions of the programme. The performance highlighted the distinctive folk traditions and cultural identity of the tribal-dominated Koraput region.

Sagar Bishoyi, founder and director of Kotpad Kala Bikash Kendra, described the opportunity as a memorable experience.

“Travelling from our village to Delhi and performing Dhemsa before the President was a unique experience. Receiving affection and respect from the President is a matter of great pride for all of us,” he said.

The Kotpad Kala Bikash Kendra has previously performed Dhemsa at various cultural events across Odisha as well as in different parts of the country. However, performing at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in the presence of Members of Parliament, ministers and distinguished guests from different parts of the country has become a particularly memorable chapter in the artistic journey of the group.

Council members Sudesh Bishoyi and Sagar Bishoyi also expressed their pride over the opportunity, describing the performance at Rashtrapati Bhavan as a significant milestone for the artists and for Koraput’s traditional cultural heritage.