Deomali Utsav: Odisha’s Vibrant Tribal Festival at the Eastern Ghats | Bhubaneswar News
Koraput: Deomali, Odisha’s highest peak at an elevation of 1,672 meters from the minimum sea level of the Eastern Ghats, came alive with vibrant tribal art and culture during the first-ever Deomali Utsav on Saturday. Organised as part of the ongoing annual tribal festival Parab-2024, the event drew thousands of tribals and visitors.
The festival showcased the rich traditions of the region, with hundreds of students and public representatives performing the iconic Dhemsa dance and singing traditional songs.The celebrations also featured captivating wooden-stick dances and cultural competitions, adding a lively spirit to the event.
The Koraput administration’s decision to host the festival at Deomali, located in the disputed Kotia panchayat of Pottangi block, carries significant importance. The area was at the centre of a nearly six-decade-long territorial dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh over 21 of the 28 villages of Kotia panchayat. The matter remains sub judice in the Supreme Court since 1968.
“The aim of organising the Deomali Utsav is to bring together the people of Kotia villages to ensure greater community participation,” Koraput collector Keerthi Vasan V said. Keerthi further emphasised that the event would help promote the district as a tourist destination, boosting local livelihoods and enhancing cultural ties. “With its mix of traditional performances, cultural competitions and scenic splendour, the festival is poised to become a significant event on the state’s cultural calendar,” he added.
Pottangi MLA Ram Chandra Kadam, the chief guest at the event, highlighted efforts to link the festival with nationally recognised tribal festivals. “This initiative aims to spotlight the region’s cultural heritage and attract more visitors in the future,” Kadam said.
“We are delighted that such a grand cultural event was organised at Deomali. We hope this continues in the coming years and draws more tourists,” Hari Pangi, a resident of Kotia, said.
Sukant Patnaik, block development officer (Pottangi), said, “The Deomali Utsav exemplifies the administration’s commitment to preserving and promoting tribal culture while fostering a sense of unity among the local population.”
The festival showcased the rich traditions of the region, with hundreds of students and public representatives performing the iconic Dhemsa dance and singing traditional songs.The celebrations also featured captivating wooden-stick dances and cultural competitions, adding a lively spirit to the event.
The Koraput administration’s decision to host the festival at Deomali, located in the disputed Kotia panchayat of Pottangi block, carries significant importance. The area was at the centre of a nearly six-decade-long territorial dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh over 21 of the 28 villages of Kotia panchayat. The matter remains sub judice in the Supreme Court since 1968.
“The aim of organising the Deomali Utsav is to bring together the people of Kotia villages to ensure greater community participation,” Koraput collector Keerthi Vasan V said. Keerthi further emphasised that the event would help promote the district as a tourist destination, boosting local livelihoods and enhancing cultural ties. “With its mix of traditional performances, cultural competitions and scenic splendour, the festival is poised to become a significant event on the state’s cultural calendar,” he added.
Pottangi MLA Ram Chandra Kadam, the chief guest at the event, highlighted efforts to link the festival with nationally recognised tribal festivals. “This initiative aims to spotlight the region’s cultural heritage and attract more visitors in the future,” Kadam said.
“We are delighted that such a grand cultural event was organised at Deomali. We hope this continues in the coming years and draws more tourists,” Hari Pangi, a resident of Kotia, said.
Sukant Patnaik, block development officer (Pottangi), said, “The Deomali Utsav exemplifies the administration’s commitment to preserving and promoting tribal culture while fostering a sense of unity among the local population.”
