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Parab: the festival of Koraput's peoples
Hill-village drums on a town stage, played by troupes who were invited
Parab is the annual cultural festival of Koraput district in southern Odisha, organised by the District Council of Culture. In many of the district's tribal languages the word parab simply means festival, and it celebrates the music, dance and crafts of Koraput's peoples. It has run since 1996, and the district administration describes it as a gala event of the state. The programme opens in November, and its main days, when troupes perform on one stage in Koraput town, close the season; the district sets the dates each year.
The Koraput district administration and its District Council of Culture set the dates each year, launching the programme in November.
The legend
In many of the district's tribal languages 'parab' simply means 'festival'. It celebrates the culture of Koraput's peoples: their music, dance and crafts.
Parab has run since 1996, growing into a stage for village talent, and the Odisha government has declared it a state-level tribal festival.
Customs
The Parab stage
Over the five-day finale, Koraput troupes share the stage with performers from across India.
Crafts fair
The Parab ground hosts a crafts fair and exhibitions, where the district's craftwork is on show and on sale.
What happens at Parab
Parab is less a single event than a season. Through the month of the programme the district holds sports events, seminars, mountain treks, a boat race and an artists' camp. The finale is a multi-day stage festival on the Parab ground in Koraput town, where troupes from the district's villages perform traditional dances and music and share the stage with performers from across India.
Around the stage, a crafts fair and exhibitions show and sell the district's work, from handicrafts and handlooms to local food. For a visitor that combination is the point: in a few days you see the range of Koraput's traditions in one place.
Why the stage matters
Parab is a respectful way to encounter Koraput's performance traditions. The troupes perform on a stage, in a festival the district runs, instead of visitors going into villages uninvited to watch or photograph rituals.
Planning a visit
Koraput is in the hills of southern Odisha, far from the usual routes, so Parab suits a trip planned around the region.
- Wait for the district's dates
The Koraput district administration and its District Council of Culture launch the programme in November and announce the dates of the finale each year; plan around them rather than around a fixed week.
- Stay in Koraput or Jeypore
The finale is in Koraput town; Jeypore is the other town linked with Parab.
- Add the hills
Parab pairs with the Duduma waterfall and with Deomali, the highest peak in Odisha.
FAQ
What does parab mean?
In many of Koraput's tribal languages parab simply means festival.
When is Parab held in Koraput?
The district programme opens in November and its main stage days in Koraput town close the season. The Koraput district administration sets the dates each year.
Who organises Parab?
The District Council of Culture of Koraput district. The festival has run since 1996, and the district administration describes it as a gala event of the state.
What can visitors see at Parab?
Tribal dance and music troupes from the district, performers from across India, and a crafts fair with exhibitions of the district's handicrafts and handlooms.
Sources (3)
Facts checked: 21 October 2026. Prices and hours are approximate; check locally.