Odisha MLA Stages Martial Arts At Paika Akhada In Balasore On Ashtami

Balasore: MLA of Odisha’s Balasore Sadar assembly constituency, Manas Kumar Dutta staged martial arts on the occasion of Durga Ashtami on Friday.

Along with his supporters and members of the local puja committee, Dutta arrived at Mahavir Akhada, one of the oldest in the district and actively participated in the programme.

According to sources, prior to independence, the Paika Akhadas were set up in Balasore to brave the brutal British forces. With passage of time, people preserved this art in the form of a traditional dance and sword fight.

The art is displayed by the Akhada members and practitioners on special occasion like Durga Puja. It revolves around acrobatic movements with swords and lathis, accompanied by traditional music.

On the occasion, Dutta said that Mahavir Akhada has played a key role in preserving the art over decades. “It is a part of our culture and there is a sense of pride demonstrating it on special occasions,” the MLA added.