Unique Folk Culture Unveiled at “Behind the Woods” Festival in Pune
Pune, 23rd October 2023: The “Behind the Woods” festival, spotlighting the rich folk dance and traditions of forest-dwelling tribal communities from Odisha, West Bengal, and Maharashtra, was recently hosted at Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe Ranga Mandir in Yerwada, Pune. Organized by the Kalinga Kala Kendra Trust in collaboration with the Government of Odisha’s Department of Culture, Languages, and Literature, the event aims to preserve and promote Indian and tribal cultures.
Notable Performances and Honors
Playback singer Anandita Das and Odissi dancer Archana Basu were honored with ‘Sangeeta Shree Samman’ and ‘Ritadevi Samman’ awards respectively. Performances included Chhau dance by Kapoi Chhau Nrutya Pratisthan, Tiger Dance by Upendra Bhanja Loka Nrutya Parishad, and Sambalpuri Folk dance by Ms. Prachi Panigrahi & team.
Distinguished Guests
Among the chief guests were Guruprasad Mishra, Information Commissioner of Odisha, Dilip Rautrai, IAS, and Chanchal Patil, Joint Director of Tribal Museum and Training Institute, Pune.
In-Depth Cultural Exploration
The festival featured a range of folk songs, from Odisha’s traditional music by Anandita Das to West Bengal’s Bhatiali, Gombhira, and Bhawaiya; Jumur & Bowl by Sri Pipal Ray, Sagarika Das, Ipsita Mohanty, and Ipsa Mohapatra. Maharashtra’s folk culture was showcased by Karuna Patil, founder of Ruturanga Cultural Group, through local dances like Ashadhi Ekadashi- Vithhal Vitthal, Mangala Gauri, Koli Nritya, Ganesh Stuti, and Amba baicha jogwa.
About the Organizer
Dr. Mamta Mishra established the Kalinga Kala Kendra Trust in Pune with the mission of preserving and promoting Indian art, culture, and tribal heritage. Various interstate cultural exchange programs are organized through this trust.
Event Staff and Dignitaries
The program was hosted by RJ Swati and attended by Kalinga Kala Kendra Trust Advisor Loknath Sarangi, Secretary Sandeep Rana, Member Nikshita Sarangi, among other dignitaries.
