DASPALLA – August 20, 2025 – In a significant show of solidarity, nearly 400 traditional artists from across the Daspalla region convened a major meeting on Wednesday, unanimously passing a resolution to demand comprehensive support from the state government. The gathering, held at the Daspalla Teachers' Building, highlighted the pressing challenges faced by performers and custodians of Odisha's rich cultural heritage. 
Traditional Odisha Artists Demand Government Support for Cultural Heritage


The event, organized by the Odia Bhasha Sahitya Sanskriti Kalaakar Mahasangh (Odisha Language, Literature, Culture, and Artists Association), Daspalla, began at 11:00 AM. The session began with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, invoking the blessings of Lord Jagannath, setting a tone of cultural reverence for the discussions to follow.
Under the leadership of Chairman Banamali Rana and Coordinator Kishore Chandra Dalabehera, the meeting served as a powerful platform for artists to voice their concerns regarding their livelihoods and the survival of their art forms. Artists from diverse disciplines, including Pala, Dasakathia, Gotipua, and traditional music, engaged in thorough discussions about the need for institutional backing.

Key Demands Presented for Government Consideration

After extensive deliberation, the assembly reached a consensus on a list of formal demands to be presented to the state authorities. The primary proposals aim to provide both immediate relief and long-term sustainability for the artist community: 
Traditional Odisha Artists Demand Government Support for Cultural Heritage


  • Regular Financial Aid: Artists demanded a survey to identify all practicing traditional artists in the state, followed by the provision of a regular monthly stipend or artist pension to support their basic livelihood.
  • Infrastructure Development: A call was made for the establishment of dedicated cultural spaces in every village, including 'Namaghars' (community prayer halls) and 'Akhada Ghars' (training centers) to serve as hubs for practice, training, and performance.
  • Provision of Performance Materials: The government was urged to supply essential performance kits, including traditional costumes (Poshak), musical instruments (Badya Jantra), and ceremonial instruments like 'Dak Baji' to help artists maintain the authenticity and grandeur of their performances.
  • Promotion of Allied Traditions: In a move showing holistic cultural thinking, the meeting also emphasized the importance of related traditions like tree plantation (Briksha Ropan) and cattle rearing (Gopalan), which are deeply intertwined with the region's cultural and agricultural lifestyle.

Dignitaries and Widespread Participation Show Unified Front

The meeting saw participation from artists representing all 20 Gram Panchayats and the Daspalla NAC (Notified Area Council), demonstrating widespread concern. Several senior artists and office bearers were present, including District President Nabakishore Pradhan, Prashant Sahu, Raj Kishore Pradhan, Bhim Sen Sahu, Vijay Ketan Satapathy, Sampad, Brindaban Pradhan (Treasurer), Sridhar Mishra, Bimbadhar Sahu, Basanta Rana, and Purna Chandra Behera.
Adding considerable weight to the event, Honorable State President Prabhat Ranjan Biswal joined the gathering via a live video conference. He addressed the artists, welcomed their initiative, and listened to their grievances, signaling high-level attention to their cause.
Coordinator Kishore Chandra Dalabehera skillfully managed the proceedings of the meeting. 

In his concluding remarks, Chairman Banamali Rana expressed gratitude to all participants and affirmed the association's commitment to relentlessly pursue these demands until they are met. The collective resolve of Daspalla's artist community marks a crucial step in their fight to secure a future for Odisha's intangible cultural treasures.