The three-day-long Mondei festival concluded with usual fanfare on Wednesday. The concluding cultural evening began after the ceremonial lamp was lit by Padma Shri Haladhara Nag, Superintendent of Police Sudhansu Sekhar Mishra, DFO Swyam Malik and SSB Commandant VK Kasna in thepresence of Collector Rashmita Panda and DRDA PD Poma Tudu.
Dozens of cultural and dance troupes displayed their talents and skills.
But the local tribal troupes ruled the stage. Artists of tribal dances like Dhemsa, Ghumura, Dhab and Sambalpuri in their traditional attires were the main attractions. Animal mask dance, lambodi of Maharashtra, Bajasal, Mangala Ghat and Odishi were also performed. The local
Trishakti organisation staged a drama on Swachh Bharat.
Haladhar Nag, along with local talents Jemamani Bossoiy, Sanjukta Panda, Banya Kabiraj and three others were felicitated with the Mondei Samman for their contributions in different fields.
Over 100 stalls of the ORMAS had been set up at the Pallishree Mela, which is estimated to record a highest turnover of x Rs 1 crore, said the DRDA PD.
Many stalls including those selling organic products from Kandhamal,
Koraput and Deogarh, wooden crafts from Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh and innovative products made by members of SHGs received overwhelming response.
The festival has turned out to be a major source of entertainment. The traders also got a platform to do good business.
The Palishree Mela will continue for another two days along with local cultural programmes.