State level tribal fest Parab kicks off in Odisha’s Koraput

Reported by Ranjan Rath
Koraput, Nov 16:

The state level tribal festival Parab began in Odisha’s Koraput district today amid gaiety and fanfare.

Preparation for the festival began after traditional ritual held at at Nishanimunda near Koraput in the presence of district collector Jamini Sarangi, district Culture officer Pama Tudu and president of Koraput District Journalists’ Association Bhawani Shankar Mishra.

Later, a huge procession began from Nishanimunda to Dakhina Kali temple at Purunagarh at Jeypore town. After performing rituals of the Goddess, the Agyan Mala and mashaal were taken and placed at the Boys High School Ground where the collector formally announced the opening of the festival.

The month-long festival would be held at 14 blocks, two municipalities and two NAC localities while the last three days of the festival would be held at the Koraput stadium on December 16, 17 and 18.

Talking to OST, the district collector said that the festival at the block and urban local body (ULB) level would be held from November 22 to 26 while the district level art competition would be held from November 27 to 29.

“Apart from this, the college level competition is scheduled from November 30 to December 2 while the district level sports would be held on November 4 and 5. The main attraction of the festival would be the boat race scheduled on December 6. Besides, there are other competitions that would continue till December 13,” she added.

Among others, Koraput MP Jhina Hikaka and Jeypore MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati were present.