SAMBALPUR: Sital Sasthi Yatra, marking the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, this year has laid thrust on folk dance and dying dance forms of Western Odisha.
The three Sital Sasthi Yatra Committees of Jharuapada, Nandapada and Mudipada have drawn up a budget of `77 lakh for the annual event which is set to witness participation of as many as 5,500 folk art performers from across the country.
The grand carnival is a major attraction of the three-day festival, scheduled to begin on May 29. The homecoming procession of the divine couple on completion of the marriage will begin on May 30 night and conclude on May 31 afternoon. According to sources, at least 1,700 artistes from across the State and outside will participate in Jharuapada committee’s homecoming journey of the divine couple.
With a budget pegged at `27 lakh, the committee has in its list folk musical band Dulduli, devotional dance troupe Samparda, warrior dance Ghumra, folk dance Karma, Chaiti Ghuda Nacha, Rajarani Nacha, Medha Nacha and Paika Akhada which will be a major attraction of Jharuapada. Flavours from Assam and Punjab will include Bihu and Bhangda.
Around 1,500 artistes will participate in Nandapada Committee carnival which has a budget of `25 lakh. Ghumura, Danda Nacha, Jhula dance and Badi Nacha along with groups of Dulduli and Samparda artistes will take part in the show.
Mudipada Committee has the largest contingent in which about 2,300 artistes will participate. Jodi Sankha, Dashavatar Nrutya, Bagha Sandha Nacha, Ghumura, Kandha Nacha besides Dulduli and Samparda artistes will also participate in the carnival of Mudipada Committee. Apart from this, Chhau dance from Purulia and Bihu dance from Assam will accompany the homecoming procession of the divine couple. An estimate of `25 lakh has been prepared by the committee.
Joint Coordination Committee president Susanta Purohit said besides dying folk dance forms of Western Odisha, tableau on various social issues and characters will also be displayed during the carnival by the three committees.
Celestial wedding