Tribal fest Parab from January 2

KORAPUT: Noted Odissi danseuse Ileana Citaristi will be the star attraction of Parab-2015, the annual cultural extravaganza of Koraput district. Parab showcases the best of tribal art and culture.
The three-day state-level festival will be held here from January 2 to 4 at the stadium ground. It will provide a platform to folk and tribal dancers from across the country.
A total of 33 cultural troupes, including seven from outside the state, would participate in the festival, said collector (Koraput) Jaya Kumar V.
While Ileana will be performing on the concluding night of Parab, noted Bharatnatyam dancer Kavita Ramu from Chennai will regale audience on the inaugural day.
Kuchipudi dancer Vyjayanthi Kashi from Karnataka, Manipuri dancer Suman Sarawgi from West Bengal, Kathakali dancer Kalamandalam Goutam Ghosal from Kolkota and Sattriya dancer Anwesha Mahanta from Guwahati will perform on the second day of the festival.
Tribal dances like Dongria, Kathi Nacha, Dhemsa, Durua, Garda, Narappa, Gurundi, Meria, Ghuduki, Rinjodi and Gond will also be performed.
Over 500 artists from across the country are expected to participate in the annual celebration. Parab, which started in 1996, has helped bring many talented tribal artists to the limelight, said the collector.