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Call to revive folk musical instrument ‘Dhumpa’

BERHAMPUR: Revival of the folk musical instrument of South Orissa – Dhumpa – would help popularise the writings of great poet Kavisurya Baldev Rath, opined experts at the golden jubilee celebrations of the Orissa Sahitya Akademi held at Digapahandi in Ganjam district on Sunday.

It was an effort to bring literary functions close to rural areas. Digapahandi also happens to be the birth place of Kavisurya. The poet was believed to have invented the instrument, made of bamboo, to accompany his poetic satires, which were still called ‘Dhumpa geet’ in rural areas of Ganjam district.

Sarat Mishra, editor of Oriya daily, said that the memory of Kavisurya could be revived only with that musical instrument. “Otherwise, his lyrics will be forgotten by the common masses and they will only be a part of study by literary experts,” he said. The other dignitaries attending the function also aired similar views. Multidimensional approach could revive the writings of great traditional writers in the minds of the new generation, they felt. They cited example of another great son of Digapahandi, Dinanath Pathi, who apart from being a great artist, was also a prominent writer.

The function was inaugurated by Minister Surya Narayan Patro, which was also attended by eminent literary personality Sudrashan Acharya, president of the akademi Dipak Mishra and secretary H.P.P. Patnaik. A book on the history of Digapahandi written by Jagabandhu Mishra was released on the occasion.

Mr. Patro said efforts were on to revive Prahlad Natak, a traditional folk art form of Ganjam district. He announced a special financial aid to the existing library in the district. Authorities of the Sahitya Akademi promised to continue their efforts to hold literary festivals in other rural areas.

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