Culture and Development Go Hand in Hand: Governor at Mayurbhanj Utsav
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati on Friday underscored that development and tradition are not opposing forces but complementary to each other, emphasising the importance of cultural platforms in preserving identity and values in an era of rapid change.
The Governor was addressing the inaugural ceremony of the three-day Mayurbhanj Utsav 2026 at Utkal Mandap, located on the premises of Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya in Bhubaneswar. He said festivals like Mayurbhanj Utsav act as vital bridges between the past and the future by keeping cultural roots alive while promoting balanced and inclusive development.
“In today’s fast-changing world, where technology often moves faster than tradition, such cultural platforms become even more essential. They remind us of who we are, where we come from and what values must guide us as we move forward,” the Governor said. He described the festival as a celebration of unity in diversity, strength in tradition and continuity of heritage.
Expressing happiness over being part of the event, Dr Kambhampati said Mayurbhanj Utsav reflects the soul, strength and spirit of Odisha. He noted that the festival brings people of Mayurbhanj together in the State capital, strengthening cultural bonds and social harmony while spreading the fragrance of the district’s rich heritage.
The Governor appreciated the efforts of the Mayurbhanj Cultural Association, Bhubaneswar, its office-bearers and public representatives for transforming the festival into a prominent cultural platform at both state and national levels. Highlighting the legacy of Mayurbhanj, he described the district as a priceless gem of Odisha where nature and culture coexist in harmony. He referred to the Similipal Biosphere Reserve, the royal heritage of the Bhanja dynasty and the district’s contribution to the formation of modern Odisha.
He also spoke about the district’s vibrant tribal culture, particularly that of the Santal and Ho communities, the internationally acclaimed Mayurbhanj Chhau dance, rich handicrafts, distinctive cuisine and inclusive traditions such as the Baripada Rath Yatra. The Governor further noted that Mayurbhanj has produced leaders of national importance, including President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu, whose life journey continues to inspire the nation.
Meanwhile, the second evening of Mayurbhanj Utsav 2026 on Saturday also saw colourful cultural performances that captivated a large audience. The evening was inaugurated by Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, who is also the President of the Mayurbhanj Cultural Association. General Secretary Dr Rajani Kanta Biswal, Editor Chinmaya Das Pattnaik and Editor Swaroop Ranjan Das were also present on the dais.
After the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, the cultural programme began with an audio-visual presentation of the festival’s theme song, directed by noted cine director Tapas Sargharia and his team. This was followed by an enchanting Ganesh Vandana dance performance by Nrutyashree Institute of Karanjia.
The world-famous Mayurbhanj Chhau dance, presented by the Badada Chhau Dance Institution of Rairangpur, mesmerised the audience with its powerful expressions and rhythmic movements. Performances of Mayurbhanj Jhumar melody, Palbandha and Dukura-based Jhumar songs and dances further enthralled spectators.
Modern dance performances blending Ollywood and Bollywood styles by Gurukul Dance Academy, Baripada; Bhoomi Dance Studio, Betanati; and Nrutyashree Institute, Karanjia added contemporary flair to the evening. Playback singers Sagar Lenka and Hansaraj Das held the audience spellbound with their soulful renditions.
A major highlight of the evening was the performance by renowned Odia film comedian Tattwa Prakash Satapathy, popularly known as Papu Pom Pom, who won hearts with his unique humour and stage presence.
The ongoing craft fair showcased exquisite stone, tussar, bamboo and sabai grass handicrafts, while food stalls offering Mayurbhanj’s traditional delicacies such as mudhi mansa, dala khichudi, Ram Rochak bada tarkari, arisa pitha and gud laddu drew large crowds.
The second evening’s programme was conducted by editor and noted Odia film writer-director Chinmaya Das Pattnaik, while renowned actor Sukanta Rath anchored the event. Organisers informed that several more vibrant programmes are scheduled for the concluding day, and entry to the historic three-day festival remains free for all visitors.
Minister for Law, Works and Excise Prithviraj Harichandan; Minister for Housing and Urban Development and Public Enterprises Krushna Chandra Mahapatra; Mayurbhanj MP Naba Charan Majhi; and Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ramsingh Khuntia were among the dignitaries who addressed the festival on different occasions. Dr Rajani Kanta Biswal proposed the vote of thanks.