Sambalpur: Sambalpur Lok Mahotsav; Preparations Lag Behind Despite Only 45 Days Left, May Extend to Five Days This Year

5-Day Festival Planned This Year

Sambalpur: Sambalpur Lok Mahotsav, Odisha’s first folk festival, is traditionally held from January 4 to 6 each year. However, with only about 1.5 months left, preparations for the event are yet to begin. This has caused dissatisfaction among cultural enthusiasts and those involved in the festival. Recently, a group of former organizers met the district collector to discuss the festival’s plans, and there is speculation that this year’s festival may be extended to five days instead of the usual three.

A Rich Legacy of Folk Culture

The Sambalpur Lok Mahotsav, founded in 1997 by then-District Collector Narendra Mishra, debuted at Gangadhar Mandap and has since become a flagship event showcasing Odisha’s authentic folk culture. Unlike other platforms, this festival adheres strictly to traditional music and instruments, with no recorded music or modern accompaniments.

The festival is typically divided into two stages:

1. Traditional Folk Music: Rare and near-extinct folk songs are performed during the initial days.
2. Authentic Folk Dance: Artists from across the state and even abroad present their traditional dances.

Additionally, the event features art exhibitions, literary discussions, and seminars on the culture and heritage of western Odisha.

Delays Cause Concern

For a grand event like Sambalpur Lok Mahotsav, preparations usually begin at least two months in advance. This includes coordinating with out-of-state artist groups, arranging train tickets, and obtaining permissions from the state and central cultural ministries. Unfortunately, no official meetings or preparatory activities have occurred yet, raising concerns among stakeholders.

Adding to the uncertainty, a proposal to extend the festival to five days is under discussion. The plan suggests the first three days will continue to focus on folk culture, while the additional two days might feature Bollywood celebrities under a new banner, possibly called “Mahanagar Mahotsav” or something similar.

A Call for Immediate Action

With limited time left, it has become essential to start preparations immediately. The extended duration of the festival will require meticulous planning and resource mobilization. Local cultural enthusiasts emphasize that any further delay could compromise the festival’s quality and its longstanding reputation as a premier cultural event in Odisha.

The administration is yet to provide clarity on the final schedule or format, leaving many hopeful but anxious about this year’s Sambalpur Lok Mahotsav.