A three-day martial art and tradition festival, organised by the National Council of Martial Tradition and Culture (NCTC), concluded at the Baramunda ground here on Thursday.
The programme was held to commemorate the 200th year of the historic Paika Rebellion that was fought against the British in 1817.
Around 80 Paika Akhada groups from various districts of the State and outside participated in the function and showcased their skills in sword fighting and other warfare techniques. Chhau dance, Gotipua and Odishi dance also staged on the occasion.
Plays Biplabi Krutibasa and Buxi Jagabandhu were also staged.
The festival began with a Mashal Yatra held from the Barunei Fort at Khordha to the Baramunda ground. Former Minister Biswabhushan Harichandan chaired the valedictory session and the objective of the programme is to promote our culture and tradition. He appealed the State Government to observe the festival as a State-level and Central-level festival.
State Culture and Tourism Minister Ashok Panda highlighted the important incidents of Paika Rebellion.
Padma Bibhushan Raghunath Mohapatra, Sand artist Sudarshan Patnaik, writers Ajay Swain and Bhagyallipa Malla were felicitated with Utkal Prativa Sammana on the occasion.Dillip Srichandan gave welcome address.