KalingaTV News Network
Koraput: The annual cultural extravaganza showcasing the rich cultural heritage of tribal Koraput began at the stadium ground here on Thursday evening.
Tourism and Culture Minister Ashok Chandra Panda inaugurated the three-day long festival, organised by the District Council of Culture.
“Started 22 years ago, Parab not only provided a platform for the tribal artists to showcase their talent but also attracted large number of domestic and foreign tourists in this area,” said the Minister while addressing the occasion.
Various tribal dance forms from Koraput, Malkangiri and Sambalpur districts were staged on the inaugural evening. As many as 200 stalls have been set up at the festival ground.
“Over 500 artistes from across the country will perform reflecting the tribal art and culture of their areas. However, the traditional dance and music of undivided Koraput district would be under the spotlight during the three-day celebrations,” said the District Collector Anupam Saha.
A five-day Pallishree Mela is also being organised on the festival ground where a variety of handicrafts from various parts of the state are on display. This will continue till Monday.
Officials at District Council of Culture said, over two lakh visitors are expected to attend the annual Parab festival.
Earlier in the day, the Minister laid the foundation stone for a permanent Parab ground near the SLN medical college and hospital. A budget of Rs 4.30 crore has been made for the project which is spread over 25 acres of land.
Ms Kalinga