A three-day martial art and tradition festival, organsied by the National Council of Martial Tradition and Culture (NCTC) got underway at the Baramunda ground hereon Tuesday commemorating the 200th year of the historic Paika Rebellion that was fought against the British in 1817.
The festival began with a Mashal Yatra held from the Barunei Fort at Khordha to the Baramunda ground here. Puri Gajapati Maharaja Dibya Singha Deb formally inaugurated the festival by taking the torch from the delegation.
The Gajapati Maharaja said, “We have only heard about the historic developments like the Paika Vidroh and warrior kings Kharavel and Ashoka, but we have never tried to know what happened ‘behind-the-scenes’. We need to explore the backgrounds of such historic events.”
Attending as chief guest, Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan wanted the new generations to make efforts to promote and propagate the culture and heritage of the State at national and international levels. Besides, both the State Government and the Centre should chalk out plans to promote the folk culture and traditions of Odisha, he added.
Over 80 Paika Akhada groups from various districts of the State and outside are participating in the festival to showcase their skills in sword fighting and other warfare techniques. Besides, various cultural events and historic plays are also lined up for the three-day extravaganza. On the inaugural evening, a play titled Biplabi Kruttibasa, written by Parshuram Harichandan, was staged.
School and Mass Education Minister Debi Prasad Mishra, former Minister Niranjan Patnaika and festival committee chairman Biswabhushan Harichandan and secretary general Dillip Shrichandan also spoke on the occasion.