Chaiti festival is all set to start from Saturday in Rayagada, the day coinciding with the International Human Rights Day. A preparatory meeting held here under the chairmanship of district Collector Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar has fixed the budget at Rs 25 lakh.
The mega event will focus on cultural exchange among local artistes with renowned artistes from outside the State. The cultural jamboree includes Odishi, Goti Pua dance, Mal Khamba, Ghoda Nacha, Jodi Sankha, traditional dance by PVTGs like lanjia Saura and Dangaria Kandhas, Sambalpuri, Dhemsa, Ghumura, Dalkhai, Desia, Rasar Keli, patriotic dances, Ghumar, Buddhayan Kungfu fusion, African tribal acrobatics and puppet shows, etc. These cultural events will be supplemented with Kathak dance, folk dance from West Bengal, Chhau from Purulia, Kala Mandalam, Bihu and Nepali dance, Rajasthani dance, etc leading to cultural fusion and exchange. Though artistes have come from outside the State, local artistes from the district and elsewhere from Odisha have got utmost importance.
Innovative initiatives like tri-cycle race by persons with disabilities (PWDs), Kabaddi by transgenders (a first time in the State), baby shows, etc. will also be held. Chaitali, a souvenir on the occasion, will be brought out with articles emphasising district’s tradition and rich culture. Display and sale of handicrafts in Pallishree Mela, engagement of young minds in the book fair, science exhibition, flower show and farmers-scientist interface are in the prime agenda of the mega event. The Government offices like Agriculture, Horticulture, Forest, ITDA, DRDA alongwith corporate like JK Papers, IMFA, Vedanta, Utkal Alumina, Aditya Alumina, l andT and several financial institutions, etc will put up their stalls in the exhibition.
The event will be graced by Tourism and Culture Minister Ashok Chandra Panda as chief guest, besides Tribal MAffairs Minister lal Bihari Himirika. The closing ceremony will be graced by Higher Education Minister Pradip Panigrahi as chief guest. Padmashri Haladhar Nag will also attend.