In a stunning blend of rhythm, culture, and success, rural women athletes took to the stage, not for a competition, but for a dance performance. To the captivating music of the ballet “Thia Puchi Naranga,” they danced and smiled, many experiencing this moment for the first time, on the same platform where renowned artists later showcased their skills in Odissi, Kuchipudi, and folk dance. The event began with a ceremonial note from Sarat Mahapatra and his group from Narendrapur, whose resonant Sankha Dhwani set a sacred tone for the celebration.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, the traditional rural sports song “Phula Baula Beni,” collected by the South Odisha Cultural Study Centre at Berhampur University, filled the venue, while plates of Kakara Pitha, a beloved dish in Odisha, were shared among the audience, creating a delightful blend of aroma, joy, and tradition.
The stage shone with performances from renowned artists such as Manasi Routray and her group from Chennai, presenting soulful Odissi; JYN Ambica from Andhra Pradesh, a Guinness World Record holder, who energized the crowd with her Kuchipudi; Bhubaneswar’s Samhita Panigrahi, whose Devi Abahani invocation resonated with spirituality; a lively musical band consisting of five enthusiastic girls from Berhampur; and Udhab Bhipria’s Mayuree Dance Group from Sundargarh, who electrified the audience with their folk tale “Dulduli.” Many international artists expressed their amazement at the grace and skill of the rural women athletes, who performed with remarkable confidence, a testament to the exceptional choreography by Rinarani Sahu and Sanjana Sahani.
Esteemed guests, including Prof Dr Prasanna Kumar Swain, Vice Chancellor of Sri Jagannath Sanskrit University and Utkal University of Culture; Guru Khenpo Pema Tenphel from Buddha Temple, Chandragiri; and Pratap Kumar Nayak, Founder of Pratidhwani in Saudi Arabia, attended the event, praising the festival as a cultural representation of Ganjam now recognized on a global level. Hrushikesh Panigrahi, Director of Madhumaya Panigrahi Foundation, remarked, “This event stands tall as one of international standard, not merely in performance, but in presentation, professionalism, outreach, and inclusivity.” He also highlighted their strong online presence, live streaming, multilingual content, and detailed stage design that aligned them with international standards.
Attendees from Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Paralakhemundi, Nagaland, Mumbai, and beyond gathered at the venue, coming together to celebrate art and culture. Three outstanding individuals received the prestigious Youth Achievers Award 2025: young Epigraphist and Paleographist Bishnu Mohan Adhikari from Paralakhemundi; Odisha’s first tribal woman journalist, Jayanti Buruda, recognized by Forbes India from Malkangiri; and renowned Bollywood hairstylist K Raju from Berhampur, acknowledged for their inspiring achievements, as announced by Foundation President Sudipta Panigrahi. Anchors Sonali Sahu and Sanyasi Nayak gracefully guided the evening, celebrating the meeting of rural spirit and international elegance, showcasing Odisha’s cultural vibrancy on a global stage.