Koraput Readies for Its Iconic Tribal Carnival – Parab 2025.
Parab Festival: A Celebration of Tribal Culture, Heritage and Harmony in Koraput.
A high-level preparatory meeting was held at the Koraput District Secretariat to finalize arrangements for the upcoming Parab 2025 — the grand annual tribal festival that showcases the cultural wealth, traditions, and tourism potential of the Koraput district.
The meeting, chaired by District Magistrate Manoj Satyavan Mahajan, was attended by Koraput MLA Raghuram Mach, Pottangi MLA Ramachandra Kadam, Laxmipur MLA Pitha Sawanta, District Council President Sasmita Meleka, Koraput Municipal Council Chairman Lalat Ranjan Sethi, SP Rohit Verma, IAS Probationer Santosh Kumar Patra, CDO and EO Benudhar Shabar, ADM Bhaktabandhu Janardan Dalai, Deputy Collector Premlal Hial, ITDA Project Administrator Snehaprabha Majhi, District Welfare Officer Sunil Tandi, Tehsildar Shayed Sabir Saha, MP representative Manoj Acharya, and other senior officials.
During the meeting, detailed plans were laid out for organizing the festival smoothly across all levels. The district-level Parab festival will be celebrated from December 18 to 22 in the Parab Ground under Koraput Municipality. The celebration will begin with the launch of Parab 2025 from Kutunipadar Shiva Temple under Laxmipur Block on November 12, marking the symbolic start of the month-long festivities.
All panchayats of the district will organize local-level Parab events from November 13 to 23, followed by block and urban Parab festivals from November 24 to December 4.
To add more vibrancy, it has been decided to organize a Pallishree Mela, food fair, and a new flower exhibition during the district-level celebration. These events aim to promote local entrepreneurship, traditional handicrafts, and tribal cuisine — giving visitors a taste of Koraput’s cultural and ecological diversity.
The meeting concluded with District Cultural Officer Surya Kant Behera expressing gratitude to all participants and emphasizing the need for community participation to make Parab 2025 a grand success.
A Festival Rooted in Tradition and Unity.
The Parab Festival was first launched in the 1980s as an initiative of the Koraput District Administration to celebrate the unique cultural identity of southern Odisha’s tribal communities. Over the decades, it has evolved into one of the most vibrant cultural festivals in the state — often called the festival of festivals.
Every year, Parab brings together artists, dancers, musicians, and craftsmen from different tribal groups such as the Paraja, Gadaba, Kondh, and Bonda communities, showcasing their folk music, dance, costumes, and rituals.
The festival has also served as a platform for cultural exchange and unity, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity, village and town, and the hills and plains of Koraput.
A Tourism Magnet in the Heart of Nature.
Koraput, often referred to as “the Kashmir of Odisha”, offers an enchanting backdrop for the Parab celebrations. The district is blessed with rolling hills, lush forests, waterfalls, and ancient temples, making it a paradise for travelers.
- Tourists visiting during Parab can explore attractions such as:
- Duduma Waterfall, one of India’s highest and most scenic falls.
- Deomali Hills, the highest peak in Odisha.
- Tribal villages known for their traditional crafts and hospitality.
- Jagannath Temple & Gupteswar Temple in Koraput, where devotees of all faiths are welcome.
Each year, thousands of domestic and international tourists visit Koraput during Parab to witness the colorful processions, tribal dance competitions, folk music performances, handicraft stalls, and regional food exhibitions that turn the district into a cultural carnival.
The festival also provides a major boost to eco-tourism and rural livelihoods, promoting sustainable development while preserving indigenous heritage.
A Celebration Beyond Boundaries.
District Collector Manoj Satyaban Mahajan said Parab is not merely a festival; it is the heartbeat of Koraput’s identity — a living testament to its diversity, resilience, and joy. As preparations begin for Parab 2025, the district administration aims to make this year’s celebration more inclusive, environmentally conscious, and tourism-friendly.
With its blend of heritage, culture, and natural beauty, Koraput’s Parab continues to shine as a symbol of Odisha’s rich tribal legacy and a call for unity in diversity.
🎉 “Parab 2025 – Where Culture Dances with Nature” 🌿
🗓️ From Kutunipadar to Koraput – November 12 to December 22
📍 Celebrating the soul of tribal Odisha
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