The Mahotsav would continue for three days, Mr Pradipta Kumar Patnaik, district collector and chairman of the district council for culture said.
True to their artistic reputation, the artistes gathered from all over the country and different parts of Orissa attired in bright and imposing colours kept the audience spellbound for hours together.
The evening kicked off with Sankha and Ghanta Badya ~ an auspicious beginning for any event ~ followed by performance of different dance troupes from Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Mizoram, Rajasthan, Assam, Haryana and Orissa.
Rasarkeli of Sambalpur, Charkula of Uttar Pradesh, Singkhel of Ampani (Kalahandi), Bhangda of the Punjab, Ranappa of Ganjam, Chirau of Mizoram, Bangri of Balangir, Dhaap of Luisingha, Bihu of Assam, Banabadi of Junagarh, Ghumar and Phag of Haryana not only enthralled thousands of spectators but also brought to vivid life the rich heritage and tradition of the country through this cultural extravaganza in the grand inaugural ceremony.
The Speaker of the state legislative Assembly Mr Kishore Kumar Mohanty attended the event at the chief guest.
Other guests included state health and family welfare minister Mr Sanatan Bisi, Laikera MLA Mr Brundaban Majhi, collector Mr Pradipta Kumar Patnaik and additional district magistrate Mr Nirmal Chandra Satpathy. Mr Mohanty inaugurated the evening by lighting a lamp before Maa Samaleswari, the presiding deity of Sambalpur.
Before the inaugural function, the artists, organizers and common people went round the city in a cultural procession and were given a warm reception in different parts of the town.
Other events like exhibition of photographs and handicrafts and cultural symposiums are added attraction of Lok Mahotsav 2009.
The festival is being organized jointly by the district council of culture, department of culture and tourism, government of Orissa and Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre Kolkata, Mr Siba Narayan Satapathy, the coordinator of the Lok Mahotsav said. The festival is now attracting people from neighbouring states and a few from abroad, he said.