The fifth and final evening of the historic “Maraguda Folk Festival-2026” of Nuapada district has been successfully concluded in an atmosphere of excitement and grandeur. Cultural meetings and honor ceremonies gave special status to the occasion. At the beginning of the program, the dignitaries lit the lamp and offered prayers. After welcoming the guests, the meeting started with the music of “Bande Utkal Janni”. Adhiraj Mohan Manigarahi, Honorable MLA, Khadiyal attended the cultural meeting as the chief guest and noted the role of such festivals in the protection and promotion of regional culture. Among the guests of honor were Sujaneswar Mallik (Eminent Educator), Pushpanjali Gual (Savya, District Council, Nuapada), Dr. Sonia Jain (Head, Council of Notified Areas, Khadyal) and Md. F. Aziz Khan (Bankhand Officer, Utiya, Khadiyal) was present and delivered the speech. Madhusudan Das, District Collector, Nuapada as the President delivered the welcome address and thanked everyone for their cooperation for the successful organization of the festival. As the keynote speaker, Padmashri Mahendra Kumar Mishra spoke about the importance of folklore and culture. On this occasion, meritorious individuals from different sectors from different blocks and NAC of the district were honored on the stage. Among them are Sujaneswar Mallick of Sinapally (Eminent Educationist), Padmashri Mahendra Kumar Mishra (Senior Educationist and Literary), Bhupendra Raut of Nuapada (National Level Kabaddi Player), Mukesh Chandrakar (Eminent Farmer), Balaram Soni (Eminent Singer), Hari Singh Majhi (Social Worker), Loknath Kharsel (Eminent Farmer), Jagbandhu of Khadial NAC. Barik (artist), Balabhadra Mahuti (educator) and Prathi Sagar (sportsman) were included. Commemorative gifts were also presented to the distinguished guests. Finally Anusuya Potter, Chairperson, Panchayat Samiti, Komna gave vote of thanks. The cultural program saw interesting performances by Nataraj Dance Academy, Awahona Cultural Institute, Jain Ji Public School, Bapuji Cultural Group and Pakhmi Dance Academy. As a special attraction, the audience was mesmerized by the musical performance of Umakant Barik and his colleagues. The entire atmosphere was festive in the presence of a large number of spectators and with it the Maraguda Folk Festival-2026 was successfully concluded.
Biswanath Samal’s report from Nuapada, Fast News Odisha