CM Mohan Majhi Mourns Demise of Veteran Pala Maestro Pandit Jagannath Behera

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday expressed deep grief over the demise of veteran Pala exponent and Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee Pandit Jagannath Behera, describing his passing as a significant loss to the state’s cultural heritage.

In a condolence message shared on X, the Chief Minister paid rich tributes to the celebrated folk artiste, acknowledging his lifelong dedication to preserving, promoting and popularising Pala, one of Odisha’s oldest and most respected traditional folk art forms.

Majhi said Pandit Behera’s immense contribution, artistic excellence and scholarly knowledge had left a lasting impact on Odisha’s cultural landscape. He noted that the veteran artiste’s death had created a void that would be difficult to fill.

“His unparalleled contributions to the preservation, promotion and propagation of our traditional folk art ‘Pala’ will always be remembered. His lifelong devotion to the art form and scholarship have greatly enriched our cultural heritage,” the Chief Minister said.

The Chief Minister also conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed to Lord Jagannath to bless the departed soul with eternal peace.