TV
Odisha’s folk culture took centre stage on an international platform as artists from Bhawanipatna’s ‘Pratibha Anusthan’ mesmerised audiences in Moscow with the vibrant rhythms of Ghumura and Singari, two of Kalahandi’s most iconic traditional performances.
The dances were part of the ongoing India Festival being held from July 5 to 13 at the famed Manezhnaya Kremlin Square.
Performing for the first time before a Russian audience, the combination of Singari dance and Ghumura percussion created a striking impression, captivating art lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
The artists' synchronised movements and ornate costumes drew widespread attention, while the Ghumura drums echoed through the open grounds of the Kremlin, commanding awe and admiration.
A Showcase of Odisha’s Indigenous Heritage
The India Festival, hosted in the Russian capital, is a diplomatic and cultural event that highlights India’s traditional crafts, music, food, textiles, and heritage art forms.
Amid a wide display of regional cultures from across India, the representation of Odisha’s Kalahandi stood out not only for its visual grandeur but also for its deeply rooted tribal ethos and martial origins.
The Singari dance, traditionally performed during festive occasions in western Odisha, particularly in the Kalahandi region, is known for its dynamic footwork and expressive gestures.
Paired with the thunderous beats of the Ghumura drum, the performance carried both aesthetic and historical weight, bridging cultural connections with the global audience.
Russian Audience Enthralled
Viewers at the event, many witnessing the performance style for the first time, responded with applause and visible enthusiasm.
“This is a beautiful dance, and it is all about energy. I feel this energy of joy, of celebrating being alive, of being connected to Mother Earth, to each other, and exchanging joy and energy,” said an audience member.
Organisers confirmed that the dance was among the most-discussed performances of the festival’s opening weekend.
Meanwhile, videos of the presentation are already circulating on social media, garnering positive reactions and raising interest in Odisha’s lesser-known art forms.
