Golamunda (Kalahandi):
Kalahandi, often described as a “pot of art” for its deep-rooted folk traditions and cultural richness, witnessed a vibrant celebration of its heritage with the formal inauguration of the Golamunda Block-level Kalahandi Festival at the local Shivaji Stadium on Sunday. The festival showcased the soul of the region through its music, dance, and age-old traditions, strengthening the spirit of unity and brotherhood among the people.
The day began at 10 a.m. with a special worship at the Maa Thakurani Temple, followed by a cultural torch procession that proceeded to the Shivaji Ground. The procession was led by Golamunda Block Chairman Shri Bindu Mahanand, BDO Shri Tripura Mahanand, Tahsildar Shri Chandan Kumar Nayak, Group Education Officer Shri Rajesh Nayak, CDPO Smt. Padma Manjari Pradhan, Block Agriculture Officer Shri Naukeshwar Nag, ABEO Shri Bijay Kumar Nayak, Golamunda Police Station Officer Shri Jyoti Prakash Tandi, Gauntia Shri Subash Raut, Jhankar Shri Ram Majhi and other dignitaries and community representatives. After the ceremonial worship of the torch, the Manikeswari Stage was formally inaugurated.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by several prominent personalities including Golamunda Block Chairman Shri Bindu Mahanand, BDO Shri Tripura Mahanand, Tahsildar Shri Chandan Kumar Nayak, Zilla Parishad Member (Zone-1) Smt. Hemangi Raut Kega, Zilla Parishad Member Shri Jayasen Sahu, former Samiti Member Shri Ram Bilash Sagar, former Block Chairmen Shri Brihaspati Sahu and Shri Tuleshwar Nayak, Congress leader Shri Sahul Mangaraj, Gauntia Shri Subash Raut, Jhankar Shri Ram Majhi, and others.
The first evening of the festival enthralled the audience with colourful cultural performances featuring Kalahandi’s iconic folk instruments such as Ghumura, Banabadi, and the famous small and large Dhuduka, reflecting the heroic and artistic spirit of the region. The festival once again proved to be a grand confluence of folk culture, tradition, and social harmony, celebrating the timeless identity of Kalahandi.
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