The vibrant annual cultural festival of Koraput district, Parab-2025, officially commenced on Wednesday at the historic Shiva Temple in Kutunipadar, located within the Laxmipur block. The festival, which celebrates the rich tribal art and heritage of the region, witnessed an enthusiastic inauguration ceremony that set the tone for weeks of cultural celebrations.
Grand Inauguration Sets Festival Tone
The opening ceremony saw hundreds of tribal men and women dressed in their traditional attire, dancing rhythmically to the beats of tribal drums and instruments. The lighting of the festival torch marked the official beginning of the celebrations, creating an electrifying atmosphere filled with cultural pride and community spirit.
Koraput Collector Manoj Satyawan Mahajan emphasized the festival's core mission during his address. "The aim of the festival is to protect and promote the region's cultural heritage. We are confident that this year's Parab will stand out for its vibrancy and public participation," he stated. The collector also highlighted ongoing efforts to develop tourist spots across the district to attract more visitors.
Comprehensive Festival Schedule Revealed
The festival, which was first launched in 1996, follows a structured three-tier approach this year. The panchayat-level celebrations will run from November 13 to 23, followed by block-level events from November 24 to December 4. The district-level festivities are scheduled from December 5 to 16, culminating in a spectacular five-day grand finale at the Parab ground in Koraput town from December 18 to 22.
Parab-2025 will feature an exciting lineup of events and competitions including:
- Traditional tribal dances and songs
- Traditional music performances
- Sports competitions
- Mini marathon events
- Trekking adventures
Political Support and Cultural Vision
The inaugural event saw significant political presence with Koraput MLA Raghuram Machha, Pottangi MLA Ramchandra Kadam, Laxmipur MLA Pabitra Saunta, Kotpad MLA Rupu Bhatara, and zilla parishad chairperson Sasmita Meleka in attendance. The distinguished guests jointly unveiled the festival's official poster and stickers, demonstrating their support for the cultural initiative.
Laxmipur MLA Pabitra Saunta reflected on the festival's evolution, noting that "The festival was conceived to provide a platform for hidden local talent and help them gain wider recognition. Over the years, Parab has grown into a remarkable showcase of Koraput's cultural diversity."
During the concluding celebrations, visitors will have the unique opportunity to experience an exhibition showcasing tribal lifestyle, along with live demonstrations of traditional art and craft. This immersive experience promises to offer a closer look at the region's vibrant culture and living traditions.
With its comprehensive programming and strong community participation, Parab-2025 continues its legacy of preserving Koraput's rich cultural legacy while promoting tourism and providing a significant platform for local artists and performers to showcase their talents to wider audiences.
