Keeping in view the heavy crowds, the three-day tribal festival Mondei was extended for another two days by the district administration for various cultural programmes.
On Friday evening, the Dasa Avatra dance of Maa Charchika cultural troupes from Banki mesmerised the visitors with their scintillating performance. Similarly, Chutuku Chata dance of Natraj Kala Parisad from Balangir, Dhap of Eaktra Kala Kendra from Titlagarh, Bihu of Assam, cultural troupes of the East Zone Cultural Centre from Kolkata enthralled the audience by their performances. A local tribal dance group Trishakti Cultural Society directed by Manisha Das was also highly applauded.
Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Ramesh Chandra Majhi, local MP Pradeep Majhi, MlA Manohar Randhari, ZP president Motiram Nayak and Collector Yamini Sarangi attended the programme.
Meanwhile, a book Freedom Struggle in Koraput was unveiled by the guests. Artist Basant Banya, anchor couple Hrikush Panigrahi, and Sudipta Panigrahy and foreign tourist couple Raymond long and Mery Kyrio Palus of America were felicitated during the programme.
Besides, the ongoing Pallishree Mela, organised by ORMAS near the same venue has been a special attraction and will continue till Sunday.