Bhubaneswar: The All Odisha Tribal Dance Competition-2019, held at national institute of social work and social sciences (NISWASS) here Sunday, showcased tribal culture from across the state.
The event was inaugurated by DP Majhi, Director of Dr Ambedkar Foundation in New Delhi and the chief guest SS Hansdah, Former Additional DG of Police (Odisha) distributed the prizes to the winners.
Tribal dance groups from the tribal areas of the state participated in it in huge numbers. The event was organised by the Dr Ambedkar Chair of Social Work institute run by the Dr Ambedkar Foundation, New Delhi to preserve their rich heritage of song and dance. The event was sponsored by Odisha Mining Corporation, Odisha Hydro Power Corporation and Dalmia.
A wide array of dance forms which captured various facets of tribal life, were emblazoned. Dances specific to each season of the Kharia tribes of Ramabahal and Maitri Vihar were presented by Mela group and Rajgal SHG Group respectively.
The Santhal tribal groups outnumbered others in participation and portrayed different dances that are intricately interwoven with their traditions. The significance of Baha Parba – performance during spring season when nature’s bounty is in vivid display – in their culture can be assessed from the fact that many participating groups chose this as the theme of their performance, each interpretation sprinkled with snippets of their cultural art.
To name a few, Birsa Munda Memorial Cultural Foundation from Nilachakra Nagar, Sant Monica Women Association from St. Vincent Catholic Church, Merom Dega from Bihaband, Madal from Mayurbhanj and Kutra, Patratoli Gomadihi, Bir Basa SHG from Mayurbhanj, Rahala Rimil Dance Group from Bamanghati in Mayurbhanj participated and showcased their cultures.
The jury members included, Prof. (retd.) of NISWASS Nabor Soreng, Senior Principal Scientist and Professor of IMMT, Bhubaneswar Laxmidhar Besra, and scientist of RMRC Bhubaneswar Anna Salomi Kerketta also joined the event.