The annual cultural extravaganza Balangir lok Utsav, which kick-started here on Tuesday, enthralled the audience with the participants performing several mesmerising cultural programmes.
MP Kalikesh Narayn Singh Deo inaugurated the festival. Recalling steps taken by his grandfather late RN Singhdeo for the development of art and literature of Balangir and western Odisha, Singh Deo hoped that it would go a long way in providing a valuable platform to the artists, besides reviving and promoting local art and culture. Singh Deo also requested district Collector M Muthu Kumar to submit a proposal for the holistic development of the Kosal Kala Mandal.
Artists Ghasi Ram Mishra and Harishankar Sai were felicitated on the occasion for their contribution to art and culture. Several cultural events, including Bihu dance of Assam, held the audience spellbound. Among others, SP R Prakash and DRDA Project Director Pabitra Mandal spoke.
However, the turnout of people was comparatively less than the previous years because of the ongoing HSC examinations. Many denizens expressed unhappiness over the timing of the festival when the examinations are underway.
