Koraput: The rich tribal heritage of Koraput came alive on Sunday as Parab 2026, the district’s annual cultural festival, started at Thakurani temple in Bagderi village under Kundura block, with hundreds participating in the celebrations.Dressed in colourful traditional attire, the tribal participants danced to the rhythmic beats of indigenous drums and musical instruments as the festival torch was lit, marking the beginning of the celebrations.Launched in 1996, Parab aims to preserve and promote the region’s tribal art, culture and heritage, while showcasing its tourism potential, providing a platform for local artists and performers.“The festival is aimed at protecting and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the region. We are confident that this year’s Parab will stand out in terms of vibrancy and public participation,” said Koraput collector Manoj Satyawan Mahajan, adding the district administration was also focusing on developing tourist destinations across Koraput to create livelihood opportunities for local communities.Parab-2026 will feature a series of cultural and sporting activities, including traditional tribal dances, folk songs, music performances, sports competitions, a mini-marathon and trekking. Celebrations will be organised at panchayat, block and district levels ahead of the main festival, scheduled to be held on Parab Ground in Koraput town from Dec 18 to 22.An exhibition showcasing tribal lifestyles, traditional art and handicrafts will also be organised. Live demonstrations of indigenous crafts will offer visitors an opportunity to experience the region’s artistic traditions and cultural practices.The annual festival is expected to draw participants, tourists and cultural enthusiasts from across Odisha and beyond, further strengthening Koraput’s identity as an important destination for tribal culture and heritage, the collector said.