The Parab, an annual cultural extravaganza of Koraput district, showcasing the tribal art and culture, got off to a colourful start on Sunday.

Hundreds of tribals in their traditional attire danced to the tune of the unique local music as the festival kicked off from the shrine of

goddess Sankulai Devi of B Singhpur under Borigumma block.

Congress chief whip in Odisha Assembly Tara Prasad Bahinipati and Koraput MP Jhina Hikaka performed the first ritual by lighting the traditional festival torch which was taken to the Bhandaragharani temple ground by boxing gold medalist Arijit Mohapatra. Social worker Sawan Mohanty, Koraput, Kotpad, lakhmipur and Potaingi MlAs were present.

The objective of the festival is to protect as well as promote the region’s rich cultural heritage. All efforts will be made to ensure that this year’s Parab is remembered for its participation and vibrancy, said Koraput district Collector Anupam Saha.

This year, the State-level Parab festival would feature a number of sports events, tribal dances, songs, music with traditional instruments, archery, mini-marathon and cycling competition etc, the Collector informed.

As part of the Parab celebrations this year, the administration has also decided to organise Rahgiri at Jeypore in the name of Saheed laxman Nayak on November 26 and December 17. This would include several competitions and cultural programmes on the main road of Jeypore, said Sub Collector Jeypore Chakravarti Singh Rathore.

While DIPRO Koraput Jagarnath Prasad Raiguru and DCO Koraput Akhaya Kumar Sethy  said a five-day Pallishree Mela will be organised during the final

celebration of Parab from December 21.