Bhubaneswar: A two-day Pala Mahostav organised by Shree Jagannath Pala Research Foundation at Bhanja Kala Mandap here in the city was inaugurated Saturday.
Inaugurating the event, MLA Priyadarshi Mishra said Pala expresses Odia culture with its intricacies and hues. “The true essence of Odia culture is felt through Pala which narrates folklores with humour and wit,” he added.
Altogether eight singers are slated to perform on stage.
On the first day Hari Ballab Das, Parshuram Panda,Malay Sanchar Singh and Bairagi Behera entertained the audiences with their performances. Other Pala singers Alekhadas,Yudhistir Parija,Dutta Krushna Panda and Laxmidhar Das are scheduled to perform on the concluding day.
Interacting with Orissa Post Pala Singer Bairagi Behera said, “The literal meaning of Pala is turn. It is much more sophisticated than the other Oriya art ballad form Daskathia. Pala plays a unique role of telling folklores through music.”
He remarked that even through it has been years since the art form began still it has never ceased to captivate both the urban and semi-urban populace.
Shree Jagannath Pala Research Foundation head Laxmidhar Rout said, “The primary reason of organising this Pala Mahostav is to preserve the art in its former glory.”