"Chaiti Festival" or "Rayagada Mahotsav" is the official annual mass cultural festival of Rayagada district, India. News item in Telegraph India"Revolutionary frontlines" An article in Revolutionary Frontline It is one among the major tourist attractions in the district."Orissa Review" official magazine of Govt. of Orissa"Rayagadaisfoundhere" Tourist attractions of Rayagada
History The festival started in 2005 in the district to give a boost to tribal culture."Sambadepaper" News item dtd. 27.12.2014 The cultural fest is observed in the Block levels and Sub divisional levels in addition to the district level. The first Chaiti Festival was organised as a mass festival by the then District Magistrate Dr. Pramod Kumar Meherda. Since then Chaiti festival has been organised every year. But for some reason it was discontinued during 2008. In 2009, Shri K.G.Mahapatra, the then Collector of the district revived the tradition."Rayagadanews" Blogspot on Rayagada News
Observance
The festival is observed during the last three days of the year at the GCD High School ground by the District Council of Culture (DCC), Rayagada."Dailypioneer" Chaiti Festival at Rayagada The extravaganza showcasing the best of tribal art & culture of the district, with more than 500 artists across the country, is the main attraction in the festival."Dharitriepaper" News item in Dharitriepaper dated 2712.2014"NewIndianexpress" Chaiti Festival Kicks off Very often the festival is followed by the Pallishree Mela of Orissa Rural Development & Marketing Society (ORMAS)."ORMAS"
References
External links Fairs and festivals of Rayagada Official website of Rayagada district