The traditional skies of Koraput witnessed a breathtaking modern transformation on Sunday night as the inaugural drone show at Parab 2025 captivated thousands of visitors. This innovative spectacle, a first in the festival's history, brilliantly merged cutting-edge technology with deep-rooted cultural themes, leaving the audience in awe.
A Sky Canvas of Tribal Pride and Local Icons
Held a day before the conclusion of the five-day national tribal festival, the aerial display became the event's most discussed attraction. Starting around 10:30 PM, the show lasted for 15 mesmerizing minutes. Hundreds of drones performed in perfect synchrony, painting the night sky with stunning patterns and images.
The visuals celebrated the region's identity, featuring themes of tribal heritage, the district's renowned Koraput coffee, and iconic tourist spots like the majestic Duduma waterfall and Sabara Srikhetra. Messages of unity and development also illuminated the heavens, offering a powerful visual narrative of the district's spirit.
Blending Innovation with Tradition
Koraput Collector Manoj Satyawan Mahajan explained the vision behind introducing the drone show. He stated that the aim was to enhance the festival's appeal to a wider audience while meticulously preserving its core cultural identity. The collector noted that the public's enthusiastic response surpassed all expectations, indicating that Parab is successfully gaining broader recognition and attracting visitors from beyond the district's borders.
Visitors from across Odisha and neighboring states braved the cold to witness the event. Ramesh Swain, a visitor from Jeypore, expressed his amazement, contrasting the novel experience with the festival's usual offerings. Tourists like Krishna Rao from Visakhapatnam admitted that while they came for the cultural programs, the drone show utterly stole the spotlight with its breathtaking presentation.
A Contemporary Touch to Cultural Roots
The show resonated strongly with the younger demographic, who appreciated its modern flair. Sunita Nayak, a college student from Koraput town, captured the sentiment perfectly. She highlighted how Parab fundamentally connects people to their roots, and the drone demonstration beautifully illustrated that tradition and technology can coexist and complement each other.
The successful integration of this high-tech display into a traditional tribal festival marks a significant moment for Parab. It not only provided a unique experience for families, youths, and tourists—many of whom recorded the moments on their phones—but also set a new precedent for how cultural celebrations can evolve. The event stands as a testament to Koraput's ability to honor its past while innovatively presenting it to the future.
