Parab festival begins

Showcasing unique
cultural shows by tribal artists, Parab festival got off to a colourful start at the famous Goddess Dakhina Kali temple of Jeypore in Odisha's Koraput district today.
Hundreds of tribals in their traditional attire danced to the tune of their music as Jeypore MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati and Koraput MP Jhina Hikaka performed the "first ritual" by lighting the festival torch.
The sacred Parab torch was brought to the High School ground at Jeypore in a huge procession. Parab-2014 will feature a number of sports events tribal dance, songs, music with traditional instruments apart from archery and trekking.

"Parab provides a platform for the local tribal artists to showcase their talents and all efforts will be made to ensure that this year's festival is remembered for its participation .. And gets the status of a national festival," said Koraput district Collector Yamini Sarangi.
The festival-cum-competition at the block and district-level will be celebrated till December 15 before the grand finale which will be celebrated from December 16 to 18 at the stadium ground here.