Ama Nrutya Ama Sanskruti, a two-day Dhemsa dance festival, was organised by the Utkal Alumina at Kashipur in Rayagada district on April 20 and 21.
The extravaganza witnessed a gathering of more than 6,000 people.
On the first day, as many as 30 teams from peripheral villages of the company took part in the two day fest and presented Dhemsa dance performances. Dhemsa is the most popular dance form of undivided Koraput district. The winners were later awarded with prizes and mementoes.
On the second day, the festival featured performances on other dance forms. Several troupes from various places like Cuttack, Sambalpur and Baripada performed Odishi, Sambalpuri and Chhau dances.
District Collector Jagannath Mohanty attended the valedictory event and appealed all the artists to explore their talent within themselves and take them forward to the highest level. He also suggested the company to continue the noble effort in coming days to preserve and promote local culture.
Utkal Alumina president Vijay Sapra assured of all possible support to promote Dhemsa to the highest level. Vice President (HR) Raghunath Pratihari coordinated the event.