The vibrant Chaitra Parba festival has officially commenced in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, marking the beginning of the Odia New Year on April 14. The celebration has transformed the region into a cultural hub, drawing artists from across India to showcase traditional heritage, folk performances, and the district’s storied art forms.
District Collector and Magistrate Hema Kanta emphasised that Chaitra Parba marks the symbolic start of the Odia New Year, aligning with fresh developmental goals for the district. “As every Odia knows, Chaitra Parba marks the start of the Odia New Year. Similarly, a new goal, a new vision, and a new venture are beginning with the new financial year,” he noted.
The Collector highlighted that the festival is central to Mayurbhanj’s cultural identity, with the traditional Chhau dance remaining the centrepiece of the three-day event. He remarked that the festival encapsulates the historical significance and artistic legacy for which Mayurbhanj is globally recognised.
ବିଶ୍ୱ ପ୍ରସିଦ୍ଧ ଚୈତ୍ର ପର୍ବ-୨୦୨୬ ଉଦଘାଟନ ସମାରୋହ ଅବସରରେ ଆୟୋଜିତ ଉତ୍ସବ ଶୋଭାଯାତ୍ରାରେ ବିଭିନ୍ନ ଆଦିବାସୀ ନୃତ୍ୟ ଦଳଙ୍କ ଦ୍ୱାରା ପ୍ରଦର୍ଶିତ ସୁନ୍ଦର ନୃତ୍ୟ କଳା (ତା-୧୧/୦୪/୨୦୨୬, ଶନିବାର)#ଚୈତ୍ର_ପର୍ବ_୨୦୨୬ #ପଲ୍ଲିଶ୍ରୀ_ମେଳା_୨୦୨୬#Mbj #Mayurbhanj #Odisha #odia #culture #odishaculture #OdiaAsmita pic.twitter.com/Yw14iFFuml
— Collector & District Magistrate Mayurbhanj (@DM_Mayurbhanj) April 12, 2026
“In Mayurbhanj, our Chaitra Parba has officially started. This festival represents the art, culture, and all the historical significance for which Mayurbhanj is known,” he said.
Highlighting the major initiative, DC Kanta announced the institution of the ‘Mayurbhanj Champion Award.’ Starting this year, the accolade will be presented annually to 20-25 individuals who demonstrate excellence across various development and performance parameters, serving as a benchmark for local achievement.
“We will select 20 to 25 individuals who have excelled and declare them ‘Champions’. The award will be given every year based on development indicators,” he said.
The festival has also expanded its geographical footprint by inviting performers from Rajasthan, Gujarat, and South India. This move is designed to foster a unique platform for cultural exchange, allowing diverse martial and folk traditions to share the stage with the local heritage.
According to the Collector, the cross-state interaction is intended to create mutual learning opportunities for artists, potentially aiding the evolution of traditional forms like Chhau through modern interaction. He said, “We can learn from them, and they can learn from our dance form. This exchange will help the dance form evolve in the future”
He further informed that this year, several new initiatives have been introduced to promote local art, culture and livelihood opportunities. The festival will also be accessible online for those unable to attend physically. “Those who are outside Baripada or cannot visit Mayurbhanj can watch the festival online. We also have stalls for ground-level empowerment and are focusing on livelihood generation,” he said.
