Archive · 24 Jan 2026
Odisha’s Ganjam Folk Traditions Enchant Delhi Audience
Last weekend, Delhi had a special cultural festival called Bhanja Mati Ra Mahak.
It was a celebration of Odisha's rich folk traditions, especially from the Ganjam district.
Over 50 artists performed different types of folk dances and theatre.
They showed dances like Raja Nataka, Dhola Kirtana, and BaghaNacha, which tell stories about mythology, social life, and regional identity.
The festival was organized to honor a famous Odia poet and to make sure these traditional art forms are not forgotten.
The performances were very lively and colorful, and the audience loved them.
The organizers and the artists were happy to bring these traditional dances to a bigger audience in Delhi.
A two-day cultural festival, Bhanja Mati Ra Mahak, was held in Delhi on 17-18 January, showcasing Odisha's folk dance and theatre traditions.
Over 50 folk artists from Berhampur, Odisha, performed various traditional dances including Raja Nataka, Dhola Kirtana, Chadeya-Chadeyani, BaghaNacha, and Nav Durga.
The festival celebrated the legacy of 17th-century Odia poet and composer Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja and aimed to preserve India's folk traditions.
Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, appreciated the festival for presenting authentic regional art forms and bringing Odisha's cultural heritage to the national stage.
The performances included Prahalad Nataka, a dance drama portraying the legend of Prahalad and Vishnu's incarnation of Narasimha, and other vibrant folk dances like Bagha Nacho, Chadhya Chadhyani, and Nabadurga.
- Who
- Over 50 folk artists from Berhampur, Odisha, and organizers including Anwesha Brahma, Anwesha Kala Kendra, and Sundar Odisha Foundation
- What
- A two-day cultural festival showcasing Odisha's folk dance and theatre
- When
- 17-18 January
- Where
- Indian Habitat Centre, Delhi
- Why
- To celebrate the legacy of 17th-century Odia poet and composer Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja and to preserve and promote India's folk traditions
- Event Name
- Bhanja Mati Ra Mahak
- Date
- 17-18 January
- Location
- Indian Habitat Centre, Delhi
- Organizers
- Anwesha Brahma, Anwesha Kala Kendra, Sundar Odisha Foundation
- Chief Guest
- Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism
- Artists
- Over 50 folk artists from Berhampur, Odisha
- Folk Dances
- Raja Nataka, Dhola Kirtana, Chadeya-Chadeyani, BaghaNacha, Nav Durga, Prahalad Nataka, Bagha Nacho, Nabadurga
- Mentors
- Guru Shri Arun Parida, Guru Sudhansu Shekhar Sattpathy