Mail News Service
Jamshedpur, Feb 25: The Jungle Mahal Festival unfolded at Ajodhya Hill, celebrating the rich tapestry of tribal culture and sporting excellence. The grand event, organized by Kushal Educational Foundation, brought together tribal personalities, athletes, and cultural icons from India and abroad.
The highlight of the festival was a marathon held at Ajodhya Hill, attracting 1600 runners, including 950 tribal youth and women, who competed in five, ten, and twenty-one-kilometer categories. The winners were awarded cash prizes, medals, and certificates, fostering a spirit of healthy competition among participants.
Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh of Tripura High Court and Bollywood actor Rannvijay Singha flagged off the marathon, demonstrating their support for the tribal community’s athletic endeavors.
The marathon featured various entertaining programs along the route, including Zumba, Dhol, Nagara, Punjabi dance, Chhau dance, Santhali dance, and live painting, adding vibrancy to the event.
In the evening, a cultural program at Kushalpalli Resort showcased the world-famous Kalbelia dance by Padma Shri Gulabo Sapera and her team from Rajasthan. Local artists presented Purulia Chhau dance, Mundari, Santhali dance, and a visually impaired tribal man mesmerized the audience with his flute performance. The winners of the marathon were honored during the cultural program.
Special guests, including Acting High Commissioner of the Embassy of the Republic of Togo, Yawo Adem Akpemado, and Cabinet Minister for Self-Help Groups and Self-Employment in the Government of West Bengal, Birbaha Hansdah, attended the event. Renowned economist Abhijit Banerjee graced the program as the guest of honor.
The festival also honored tribal personalities, including Chhau dancer Padma Shri Late. Gambhir Singh Munda, Chhau mask maker Padma Shri Late. Nepal Sutradhar, Padma Shri Kalipado Soren, Padma Shri Dhaniram Toto, Padma Shri Dukhu Majhi, Padma Shri Vikram Bahadur Jamatia, Padma Shri Gulabo Sapera, Dr. Damayanti Besra, Lady Tarzan Padma Shri Jamuna Tudu, and environmentalist Padma Shri Chami Murmu. New Delhi’s renowned biker girl Kanchan Ugursandi received special acknowledgment.
The event marked the unveiling of the foundation layout of a world-class school by Kushal Educational Foundation in Dumdumi village of Purulia district. The school aims to provide modern education along with a focus on outdoor sports, technical knowledge, and intellectual development.
Chairman Naresh Aggarwal envisions the school as a model for Jungle Mahal, with priority and special facilities for meritorious tribal students, fostering not only academic excellence but also creating employment opportunities for the future generation.
What an incredible celebration of tribal culture and athleticism at the Jungle Mahal Festival in Ajodhya Hill! It’s heartwarming to see the community come together for such a vibrant event, with the marathon attracting participants from all walks of life, including tribal youth and women. The support from Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh, Rannvijay Singha, and other esteemed guests highlights the importance of promoting sports and cultural diversity. The variety of performances, from Zumba to traditional dances, truly made the festival a feast for the senses. Kudos to the organizers for creating such a memorable experience for everyone involved! 🏃♂️🥁🎉
Happy to be a part of Show 🏍️