Fusion Of Beats Mesmerises Visitors At Odisha’s Chilika Shelduck International Folk Carnival

Berhampur: A symphony of rhythm in percussion by artists from across Asia reverberated in the air during the 5-day Chilika Shelduck International Folk Carnival near Balugaon in Odisha’s Ganjam district.

The 10th edition of the Folk Carnival took off at Odi Art Centre, Barkul near Balugaon, about 80 km from Berhampur, on November 9. The theme of this year’s carnival is “Rhythms of Asia: A Fusion of Beats”.

Set beside the picturesque Chilika Lake, the festival unites rhythms, colors and flavors creating a unique convergence of folk traditions and contemporary cultural exchanges.

It was inaugurated at the amphitheater offering visitors a chance to witness a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity and artistic tradition of Odisha.

Troupes from Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra besides Odisha are participating in the festival to showcase the cultural traditions of their regions. Musical groups from Vietnam and South Korea are also participating.

Prithviraj Harichandan, Minister of Law, Excise and Works and Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, Minister of Commerce, Steel and Mines who inaugurated the festival as guests. They appreciated the organisers for conserving the rich art and culture of Odisha and said the state government is ready to help them in all possible ways.

“The Odi Art Museum is a source of inspiration for many to showcase the antiques and transformation of a social change. The museum reflects the social life of thousands of years,” they said.

The ministers jointly inaugurated the ‘Neelambu Chitrashala’, a gallery dedicated to Odisha’s folk and tribal art forms, and two prominent exhibitions: a Pattachitra and photography display focusing on Buddhist monuments in Korea and Odisha, and a display of artwork from the International Children and Youth Art Contest.

“Though we take folk concepts every year, the theme changes every year. This year our theme is ‘Rhythms of Asia: a fusion of beats” or ‘Tala Badya’ in Odia. Folk artists from Japan and Thailand are also interested to perform here,” said Prasanna Kumar Dash, founder of Odi Art Centre.

The opening night saw a mesmerising performance by a group of 9 Vietnamese percussion artists, followed by an energetic showcase from West Bengal’s renowned SriKhol percussion ensemble. Soulful SriKhol from West Bengal, energetic Dhol Chalam from Manipur, rhythmic Bhor Taal from Assam, powerful Maha Dhol from Maharashtra, Karagham Kabadi from Andhra Pradesh, Ghanta Mardal and Dhemsa percussion troupes of Odisha will perform during these five days of the carnival.