‘Parab a platform to propagate Koraput tribal culture, art’

The three-day State level tribal cultural festival Parab-2012, which had kicked off on Friday, concluded on Sunday (November 18) after a glittering display of a host of cultural events.

 Attending as chief guest on the valedictory function, Tribal Development Minister of Maharashtra Rajendra Gavit said that Koraput is famous for its tribal culture in the nation and Parab has been the platform to preserve the district’s art and culture for the last sixteen years.

Gavit also opined that all the States should observe such a festival to preserve their culture. The Minister also informed that his State will organize such a Lok Mahotsav in coming days.

While District Collector Sachin Jadhav presided over the function, others who attended as guests include Koraput MP Jayaram Pangi, School and Mass Education Department Secretary Usha Padhee, Unicef Odisha chief U Me Bae, Nalco Damonjodi ED BN Mohanty, HAL ED Anirudh Kumar, Odisha Tour Operator chief Benjamin Simon and Sub Collector Rasmita Panda.

Minister Gavit was felicitated with Parab Memory Trophy by the District Council of Culture. Parab competition winners in various events were also awarded on the occasion. In college level Parab celebration, Laxmipur College got the first prize, Aeronautics College, Sunabeda got second, while Semiliguda College got the third prize.

In cultural competition, first prize was won by the Pottangi block, second was jointly presented to Nandapur and Koraput NAC, while the third prize was won by the Kundra block. In sports competition, Jeypore Municipality, Koraput NAC and Kotpad NAC stood first, second and third respectively.

All India Radio, Jeypore was felicitated for transmission of tribal art and culture. Later, a series of cultural events was performed including Odissi by Sujata Mohapatra and Group, Bhubaneswar, special dances by the Prince Dance group, Berhampur and Sidhi Dhammal of Gujrat, Durua dance by a group from Boipariguda, besides tribal folk dances by troupes from across the district. Source: The Pioneer  

Thousands of devotees witness Rath Yatra at Sabara Srikhetra Koraput

• Tribal band and dance add to the attraction
• Tribals are given priority in the Rath Yatra celebrations at Koraput

KORAPUT: More than 50,000 people, including tribals, gathered to celebrate this year's car festival at Sabara Srikhetra (Koraput) in South Orissa on July 13. Better known as Sabara Srikhetra, among the followers of Jagannath culture, Koraput has been attracting the tribals for its unique distinction in giving priority to tribals in its rituals and practices.

Beginning with the offering of service to Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra during Anasara, a period when the Lords are believed to be suffering from fever after a bath on Snaana Purnima, tribals have been in the forefront in taking responsibilities and enjoying the opportunities during the nine-day festival.

It is again the tribal band and dances that lent special attraction to the celebration. Tribal men and women had reached the temple from early morning to have a glimpse of Lord Jagannath. They were the most active participants in preparing the costumes including the tahia and other aids to add more beauty to the idols.

After the Lords reached the divine chariot, offerings from tribals were placed first. More than 50 tribal village heads were honoured by the district Collector and SP by tying turbans over their heads. Tribal village head Dasi Nayak from Janiguda near Koraput performed the divine sweeping on the chariot, a service that is offered by the king at Puri.

Source: The Hindu