As the sun dipped below the horizon on Thursday, the Parab ground in Koraput transformed into a pulsating hub of cultural energy. The rhythmic thunder of drums, the whirl of vibrant dancers, and an electric atmosphere of joy officially marked the grand opening of Parab-2025, the district's premier five-day cultural festival. This event powerfully reaffirmed its status as one of Odisha's most dynamic celebrations of indigenous tribal life.
A Festival Celebrating Tribal Identity and Pride
Inaugurating the festivities, Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra elevated the significance of Parab beyond a mere cultural gathering. He described it as a profound celebration of tribal existence itself. The minister emphasized that culture forms the core identity and pride of any community. He noted that Parab serves as a crucial platform where age-old traditions are not just safeguarded but also shared with a broader, national and international audience.
Minister Mahapatra highlighted the festival's remarkable growth into a national platform, attracting visitors from across India and overseas. This influx has unlocked new economic pathways for local tribal communities. The growing trend of tourists purchasing locally made products, handicrafts, and artworks provides a significant boost to indigenous artisans and entrepreneurs. The official recognition of Parab as a national-level tribal festival, he added, stands as a tremendous source of pride for the people of Koraput.
Vibrant Performances Defy the Chill
The opening evening perfectly set the festival's tone with a mesmerizing performance of the iconic Dhemsa dance, a powerful and symbolic expression of Koraput's tribal culture. This was followed by a captivating sequence of performances by artists from various parts of Odisha and other Indian states.
Despite the biting cold weather, a large and enthusiastic crowd, which included a considerable number of foreign tourists, remained enthralled at the venue well into the night. They were completely absorbed by the symphony of music, the grace of dance, and the explosion of traditional colors.
A Platform for 500+ Artists and Local Economy
Koraput Collector Manoj Satyawan Mahajan outlined the festival's expansive scale, revealing that over 500 artists from different corners of the country will showcase their talent over the five-day event. While Parab warmly embraces diverse tribal expressions from beyond the region, Collector Mahajan stressed that the traditional dances and music rooted in the undivided Koraput district will always remain the heart and soul of the festival.
The attractions of Parab extend far beyond the main stage. Visitors can explore:
- An exhibition of traditional and modern agricultural equipment.
- Immersive displays of tribal culture and history.
- A vibrant food festival offering authentic tribal cuisine.
The concurrent five-day Pallishree Mela continues to be a major highlight. It acts as a vital marketplace for exquisite local handicrafts and provides women self-help groups with an essential platform to sell their products directly to consumers, further strengthening the local economy.
With its successful opening, Parab 2025 is poised to be a resounding celebration of resilience, heritage, and community spirit, putting Koraput's rich tribal tapestry on the national cultural map.
