New Delhi [India]January 22: The rich folk heritage of Odisha was celebrated through traditional music, movement and theater at “Bhanja Mati Ra Mahak – A Journey Through the Folk Rhythms of Odisha”, a two-day cultural festival that paid homage to the creative land of Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja. The festival showcased the depth and diversity of indigenous art forms of Odisha, performed by over 50 folk artists from Berhampur, Ganjam district.
The two-day festival was curated by Anwesha Brahma in collaboration with Anwesha Kala Kendra, Odisha and Sundar Odisha Foundation, New Delhi.
Day one: classical roots and theatrical legacy
The first day of the festival was graced by the presence of Shri Jatin Das ji, eminent artist and Padma Bhushan awardee, and Shri Charudutta Panigrahi ji, distinguished technocrat, author, political thinker and visionary. His presence added intellectual and artistic seriousness to the evening.
The first day set a powerful cultural tone with performances of traditional folk dances, followed by a compelling performance of Prahlad Nataka, Odisha’s iconic open-air theater tradition that combines devotion, dialogue and dramatic expression. The performance, under the direction of Guru Shri Arun Parida ji, enthralled the audience with its spiritual narrative and centuries-old storytelling style.
Day two: ritual, rhythm and celebration
The second day featured a vibrant program of folk performances, including Bagha Nacho, Chadhya Chadhyani, Nabadurga and Dholokirtana, reflecting the ritual, celebratory and martial traditions of Odisha. These performances were directed under the mentorship of Guru Shri Sudhansu Shekhar Sattpathy ji.
The second day was graced by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat ji, Hon’ble Minister of Culture and Tourism, Government of India, as the chief guest, along with Dr. Prof. KG Suresh ji, Director, Indian Habitat Centre, and Shri Niharika Sharma ji, Founder, Anveshka Foundation.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat ji emphasized the importance of preserving folk traditions of India and ensuring that grassroots artists are given national platforms and institutional support. He appreciated the organizers for presenting authentic regional art forms and bringing the living cultural heritage of Odisha to the national stage.
Artists who gave life to the festival
The performances were brought to life by dedicated Berhampur folk artists including:
Tutu Nahak, Purni Sattam Swain, Reshma Swain, Mithun Swain, Babula Parida, Anil Behera, Prem Chand Behera, Pankaj Behera, Maheswar Behera, Ramesh Chandra Behera, N. Rohini Reddy, Mitu Parida, Pabitra Behera, Nilanchal Bank, Debendra Behera, Sambit Behera, among others, each of whom conducts the oral of Odisha traditions, rhythms and ritual expressions passed down from generation to generation.
Anchoring and Healing
The program on both days was carefully curated and perfectly directed by Anwesha Brahma, ensuring narrative continuity and cultural context for the audience.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Sangram Dhar, Founder, Sundar Odisha Foundation, said:
“Bhanja Mati Ra Mahak is our humble effort to take the folk soul of Odisha beyond geographical boundaries. These art forms are not just representations – they are living stories of our communities, beliefs and collective memory.”
Usharani Mahapatra ji, founder of Anwesha Kala Kendra, added:
“The artists of Berhampur carry traditions cultivated over generations. Presenting them on a national platform like Delhi is both a responsibility and a celebration of the cultural resilience and creativity of Odisha.”
The festival attracted cultural professionals, academics, members of the Odia diaspora, students and art enthusiasts, reinforcing Delhi’s role as an important platform for celebrating regional and indigenous cultural expressions of India.
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