SINAPALI (March 28): (Report- Malaya Meher): The second evening of the Udanti festival in Sinapali became a vibrant celebration of folk art and tradition, leaving the audience spellbound. The event showcased the rich cultural heritage of the region through music and dance.
The program began with the powerful beats of traditional instruments like the Dhol and Nishan. Rupesh Chandra Meher welcomed the guests to the stage. Following this, the Sri Satya Sai Organisation of Sinapali performed a Vedic chant and prayer, creating a spiritual atmosphere. Students from Imperial Public School, Khariar, also performed an opening song. 
Udanti Festival: Folk Dance and Film Stars Shine on Second Night


Dignitaries Highlight Cultural Importance

Several prominent leaders attended the event. The Chairman of Sinapali Block, Madhuri Majhi, and MLAs Hitesh Kumar Bagartti, Jai Dholakia, and Laxman Bag addressed the crowd. They praised the Udanti Festival as a vital platform for preserving and promoting regional folk arts.
Priya Ranjan Meher presided over the meeting, while Jitu Meher shared the annual report. Later, Shibaprasad Meher distributed awards and mementos to the participants. Rashmi Ranjan Sa concluded the formal session with a vote of thanks.

Spectacular Cultural Performances

The main attraction of the night was the series of cultural performances:
  • Dhemsa Dance: Performed by the "Maa Kalarasuni" group from Muniguda, showcasing tribal culture.
  • Ghuduka Dance: Presented by the Krishnapriya Kala Parishad from Tushra.
  • Folk Music: The Bansidhar Gandabaja group from Balangir captivated the crowd with their traditional tunes.
  • Suna Dei Jatra: A performance by the Jai Matadi Cultural Group from Khariar.
  • Nataraj Group: A folk dance team from Bhawanipatna that energized the stage.
The excitement reached its peak when Odia film stars Priyanka Sahu and Ankita Das arrived. Their presence added a touch of glamour to the festival and delighted the thousands of fans in attendance.