In a remarkable celebration of cultural heritage, Balasore district in Odisha marks 100 years of its unique traditional martial art form ‘Akhada Khela’. Like previous years, this year too will witness the martial art display during Durga idol immersion procession.

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This century-old practice, deeply rooted in the spirit of self-defence and local pride, was initiated in 1925 under the guidance of the erstwhile Orissa Chief Minister Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab.

Originally developed as a technique to prepare the local youths against British aggression, Akhada Khela quickly evolved into a celebrated folk tradition.

Every year during the grand immersion procession of Goddess Durga on Dussehra Bhasani,

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