Berhampur: In a rare confluence of tradition and triumph, rural women sports winners of Odisha performed the dance ballet “Thia Puchi Naranga”. Many of them performed for the first time in their lives, on the same stage where internationally acclaimed artistes presented Odissi, Kuchipudi, and folk dance.
The day began with the sacred Sankha Dhwani by Sarat Mahapatra and a troupe from Narendrapur, setting a divine tone. “Phula Baula Beni,” a traditional rural sports song collected by the South Odisha Cultural Study Centre, and the distribution of Kakara Pitha delicacies added a true festive flavour of Odisha.
Odissi by Manasi Routray’s Chennai troupe, Kuchipudi by Guinness record holder JYN Ambica from Andhra Pradesh, Devi Abahani by Samhita Panigrahi from Bhubaneswar, a Berhampur girls’ musical band, and “Dulduli” by Udhab Bhipria’s Mayuree Dance Group from Sundargarh mesmerised the audience. The artists hailed the flawless performance of rural women, choreographed by Rinarani Sahu and Sanjana Sahani.
Distinguished guests, including Prof Dr Prasanna Kumar Swain, Guru Khenpo Pema Tenphel, and Pratap Kumar Nayak, praised the event for presenting Ganjam’s culture on an international platform.
“This festival matches global standards in professionalism, outreach, and inclusivity,” said Hrushikesh Panigrahi, Director, Madhumaya Panigrahi Foundation.
Three achievers—Epigraphist Bishnu Mohan Adhikari from Paralakhemundi, journalist Jayanti Buruda from Malkangiri, and Bollywood hairstylist K Raju from Berhamapur—received the Youth Achievers Award 2025.
Anchors Dr Sonali Sahu and Sanyasi Nayak carried the evening that celebrated rural spirit and international artistry in perfect harmony