A Correspondent
DOOMDOOMA: Under the aegis of Doomdooma Karam Festival Celebration Committee, 16th Central Karam Festival was observed with a three-day long programme at Doomdooma Town Field from October 10 to 12. The programme got underway on the morning of October 10 with hoisting of flag by MLA Durga Bhumij, followed by Smriti Tarpan by Irat Tanti and general secretary, Celebration Committee Satish Munda; Secretary Circle Officer Pankaj Nagbongshi inaugurated the stage at 10am where Dr Bulu Tanti released the souvenir ‘Chandrahar’ published on the occasion.
Thereafter various competitions on Art, Jhumoir, Damkois, Sadi, Tusu and Oriya were held. On October 11, as a part of the programme ‘Green earth and clean environment’, a tree plantation drive was undertaken besides distribution of tree saplings. Thereafter Oriya, Jhumoir, Damkois group dances were performed. In the evening the branch of Karam tree was offered at the altar of Karam and Karam Puja was performed as per traditional customs. Then Karam Jagaran dance was presented on the stage which continued all night. On the concluding day, after immersion of Karam tree branch in the morning, a colourful cultural procession was taken out in the town which was flagged off by footballer of yesteryears Nandu Tanti. In the prize distribution and open meeting held in the evening, prizes were given away to the winners of various competitions. The celebration came to an end with holding of “Bharat Bhumij commemorative cultural night” where Jhumoir Samrat Dulal Manki and others performed to the enjoyment of the audience who gathered there in large numbers.