The historic Palace Street in Paralakhemundi, the district headquarters of Gajapati, transformed into a vibrant cultural and sporting arena on Sunday. The town witnessed the Patha Utsav, a dynamic event organized by the Paralakhemundi Municipality as a spirited curtain-raiser to the much-anticipated five-day Gajapati Utsav.
A Morning of Cultural Vibrancy and Community Spirit
Despite the bone-chilling cold, a large crowd of enthusiastic residents gathered from 7 am to 10:30 am. The event was designed to project the road as a cultural hub and warm up the community for the upcoming festival season. Laxman Murmu, the executive officer of the civic body, highlighted the impressive public turnout to witness and participate in the diverse activities.
The festival showcased a rich tapestry of local talent. Approximately 25 groups performed, presenting a spectacular array of items that captivated the audience. The performances included the energetic Soura tribal dance, the classical grace of Odissi, and the powerful demonstrations of Paik Akhada (martial arts) and taekwondo. The lively gajamuhan dance, a local festival dance, added to the traditional fervor.
Raahgiri Promotes Fitness and Community Engagement
A core component of the Patha Utsav was the Raahgiri initiative, where the road was closed to two-wheelers and four-wheelers. This created a safe, open space for the community. People were seen walking along the street after parking their vehicles, embracing the fitness mantra of the event.
A.K. Tripathy, the district child protection officer, explained the dual purpose: to educate people about fitness and encourage them to minimize vehicle use by walking more. Schoolchildren actively contributed to the festive atmosphere by showcasing their talents in school bands, skating, singing, and yoga displays. The event also featured musical orchestra performances.
Security and Administrative Support
The event received strong support from district authorities. Several district-level officers and police personnel attended the Raahgiri to encourage the performers. Prasant Bhupati, the inspector-in-charge of Paralakhemundi, confirmed that elaborate security and traffic arrangements were made, ensuring the event concluded peacefully.
This block-level activity is part of a series of pre-festival events leading to the main Gajapati Utsav, scheduled to begin on January 18 in this border town of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. The district administration organizes this major festival to showcase the region's unique art and culture, aiming to attract tourists and celebrate local heritage.
