Archive · 12 Oct 2026
Brahmapur Festival Revives Traditional Rural Sports for Women
A group in Brahmapur held an event to bring back traditional games played by women in rural Odisha.
Nearly 300 girls and women joined in.
They played seven sports, including Khapara Dian and Kaudi Khela.
Songs and traditional chants accompanied the games.
The organizers said they want these games to be remembered and passed on.
Runner Tuku Sethi was honored at the event.
Some participants will now receive dance training.
They are scheduled to perform at a festival in Brahmapur on October 25.
The Madhumaya Panigrahi Foundation staged traditional rural sports at Khallikote University Stadium in Brahmapur.
Nearly 300 girls and women from Brahmapur and nearby areas took part in the event.
Seven traditional sports were featured, including Khapara Dian, Kaudi Khela, Daudi Dian and Thia Puchi.
Vice-Chancellor Asima Sahu attended as chief guest, and runner Tuku Sethi was felicitated.
Selected participants will receive dance training before a performance at the Kumara Punei Jahna Lo festival on October 25.
- Who
- The Madhumaya Panigrahi Foundation and the ‘Kumar Punei Jahna Loo’ Festival Committee organized the event, with nearly 300 girl students and women participating.
- What
- A showcase and competition featuring seven traditional rural sports for women.
- When
- The article does not specify the event date; participants are scheduled to perform on October 25.
- Where
- Khallikote University Stadium in Brahmapur, Odisha.
- Why
- The organizers aim to revive and preserve vanishing rural games and support physical vitality and mental well-being.
- Organizer
- Madhumaya Panigrahi Foundation, with the ‘Kumar Punei Jahna Loo’ Festival Committee–2026
- Venue
- Khallikote University Stadium, Brahmapur
- Participation
- Nearly 300 people from Brahmapur and nearby areas
- Sports
- Seven traditional sports for women
- Judging
- Eight veteran sportspersons adjudicated the competitions
- Next performance
- Selected participants are scheduled to perform at the main festival on October 25 at the ITI auditorium in Brahmapur
- Honoree
- Tuku Sethi, identified in the article as an international running star from South Odisha