‘Fate Fighter’ Group To Perform At 14th Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav

Bringing alive the story of Paika Bidroha led by Buxi Jagabandhu, Puri-based ‘Fate Fighter’ group, will pay its tribute to the fearless leader on the second day of 14th Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.

Fate Fighter is the only group based in Odisha which is working for the promotion and propagation of traditional ‘Mallakhamb.’ The group will perform a 20- minute long drama ‘Mu Buxi,’ with a combination of dialogue, songs and dance.

“As many as 70 artistes will perform the story of Buxi Jagabandhu and Paika Bidroha through Sahi Jatra, Mallakhamb, Gotipua, Paika Akhda, Banata and Badikhela,” says Gyana Ranjan Mohanty Mohanty, who has been imparting training to the group for the last 11 years.

The ‘Fate Fighter’ group had performed at the India Gate in New Delhi during Odisha Parba last year, and also participated in Sony TV’s reality show ‘Entertainment Ke Liye Kuchh Bhi Karega’ and Tarang Channel’s ‘Best Of Odisha.’

“The younger generation is losing interest in this traditional dance form. Mallakhamb is a combination of yoga, gymnastic and acrobats, which requires years of training and practice. Government should take steps to retain this traditional dance form,” he added.

The Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav, which kick-started on Friday will continue till February 11.