“Drums of Heritage Beat Loud as Koraput Parab – 2025 Unfolds in Tribal Heartland”

National-Level Folk Festival ‘Parab  2025’ Begins with Tribal Spirit at Kutunipadar.

The vibrant rhythm of tribal drums, folk chants, and the fragrance of incense filled the air as the National Level Folk Festival ‘Parab – 2025’ began today from, Kutunipadar under Laxmipur block in Koraput district. The festival, a grand celebration of Odisha’s rich tribal heritage and folk traditions, was inaugurated in a spectacular ceremony attended by dignitaries, artists, and villagers amid much cultural fervor.

The celebration began with a holy ritual at the Thousand Shivalinga Temple in Kutunipadar, where the Parab torch was lit after the traditional puja. A massive torch procession followed, winding through the village to the main stage, symbolizing the spread of light, unity, and cultural pride.

The Koraput District Magistrate and Chairman of the District Cultural Council, Shri Manoj Satyavan Mahajan, presided over the event. The ceremony was graced by Koraput MLA Raghuram Macha, Pattangi MLA Ramachandra Kadam, Laxmipur MLA Pabitra Saunta, Kotpad MLA Rupu Bhatra, and District Council President Sasmita Meleka as chief guests. Together, they lit the ceremonial lamp, officially marking the opening of the festival.

During the event, the District Collector administered the ‘Parab Oath’, reaffirming commitment to cultural unity and preservation of tribal identity. Posters and stickers of Parab-2025 were also unveiled by the guests, showcasing this year’s theme of “Harmony through Heritage.”

Addressing the gathering, Collector Manoj Satyavan Mahajan said,

“Parab is not just a festival — it is a living bridge between our past and present. It reflects the soul of Koraput, where every dance step and every drumbeat tells a story of courage, coexistence, and culture. The festival’s journey from a local celebration to a national platform shows how deeply rooted and yet forward-looking our traditions are.”

He added that the district administration is committed to promoting local artisans, weavers, and tribal performers, ensuring that Koraput becomes a center of cultural tourism in the years to come.

Speaking on the occasion, Laxmipur MLA Pabitra Saunta and District Council President Sasmita Meleka recalled how Parab, which started in 1996, was envisioned to discover hidden rural talent and give them a stage to shine.

 “Today, Parab has gone beyond boundaries — it has become a symbol of Odisha’s cultural pride,” said MLA Saunta.

The event was attended by a host of dignitaries including Laxmipur Chairperson Shuai Kuleshika, Vice-Chairperson Aarti Kuldeep, Kusumguda Sarpanch Indra Panjia, former MPs Jayram Pangi and Jhin Hikka, and representatives from the MPs of Koraput and Nabarangpur. Koraput Deputy Collector Premlal Hial extended the vote of thanks, while District Cultural Officer Surya Kant Behera and Laxmipur BDO Sabyasachi Behera coordinated the day’s proceedings.

Adding a touch of warmth and enthusiasm, administrative officers and local MLAs were seen joining tribal artists in dance  a moment that perfectly captured the spirit of inclusiveness that Parab stands for. The exhibition fair, showcasing local crafts, tribal jewelry, handlooms, and organic products, was also inaugurated on this occasion.

Earlier in the day, members of the organizing committee offered prayers to the village goddess at Nishanimunda, Koraput, seeking blessings for the smooth conduct of the month-long festival.

Among those present were Koraput MLA Raghuram Macho, Collector Manoj Satyavan Mahajan, Koraput Municipal Council Chairman Lalat Ranjan Sethi, Additional District Collector Tapan Kumar Nayak, Chief Development Officer Benudhar Shabar, and Deputy Collector Premlal Hial.

About Parab: A Journey of Cultural Revival

Started in 1996, Parab is more than a festival — it is a movement for cultural preservation and celebration in southern Odisha. Conceptualized by the Koraput District Administration, Parab was initiated to bring hidden tribal art, dance, and music traditions into the mainstream. Over the years, it has evolved into a national-level folk festival, featuring traditional dance troupes, craftsmen, and musicians from across India.

Each year, Parab travels through villages before culminating in a grand finale in Koraput, symbolizing the unity and diversity of India’s indigenous communities. The festival also serves as a platform to promote rural entrepreneurship, cultural tourism, and youth participation in heritage conservation.