Dhenkanal: The martial heritage of Odisha’s Paikas came alive at Kandabindha village in Dhenkanal district during the 42nd edition of Dhenkanal Heritage Walks (DHW), where members of the local Mallaluha Kabata Paika Yuvaka Sangha showcased traditional weapons and highlighted the village’s centuries-old warrior traditions.
Held during the Durga Puja festivities, the heritage walk was organised in Kandabindha village under Odapada block, bringing together more than 100 participants, including youths, elders, women and students. The event offered an opportunity to explore the history of the Paikas, their contribution to the region and the traditions that continue to be observed in the village.
At the beginning of the programme, senior DHW members Ramesh Chandra Pati and Biswaranjan Dehury felicitated Ashok Kumar Sahu, president of the Mallaluha Kabata Paika Yuvaka Sangha, with a ceremonial gift.
A discussion followed on Dhenkanal’s Paika culture, the arrival of the warriors in the region and their historical legacy. According to accounts shared during the session, the Paikas arrived alongside Raja Harisingh Vidyadhar, regarded as the founder of present-day Dhenkanal Garh.
Ashish Kumar Sahu said the Raja had settled a warrior named Mallaluha Kabata, who had accompanied him, in the area bordering the erstwhile kingdoms of Dhenkanal and Hindol. Kabata was reportedly granted 16 acres of land as a jagir, or land endowment. The settlement that began with Mallaluha Kabata gradually expanded into the present-day village, he said.
Participants Rabi Narayan Sahu and Sanjay Sahu also recalled the martial skills and bravery of Kandabindha’s Paikas during an 18-day conflict between Dhenkanal and the Marathas. They highlighted the warriors’ combat tactics and their place in the region’s historical memory.
Sword worship and martial traditions continue
Kandabindha remains known in Dhenkanal for its martial arts traditions. The village’s Paikas continue to observe Khandapuja, a ritual involving the ceremonial placement and worship of swords, during the Sharadiya Dashahara festival.
On Dashahara, members of the community also demonstrate their traditional martial skills at the Devi temple within the Dhenkanal royal palace complex, keeping alive a practice passed down through generations.
The discussion also explored the present condition of Kandabindha village and the need to preserve its cultural heritage. Participants shared their perspectives on how traditional practices could be sustained and passed on to younger generations.
Exploring historic shrines and community spaces
Following the discussion, the heritage walk participants visited several historical sites in Paika Sahi, the locality associated with the community’s martial traditions.
The sites included the approximately 400-year-old shrine of Goddess Mangala, the community’s presiding deity, the Raghunatha Temple, a traditional Chaupadhi used as a meeting or learning space, and a Sri Chaitanya Temple believed to be around 200 years old. The group gathered information about the history and cultural significance of these places.
The event was coordinated by Suresh Prasad Mishra, convenor of Dhenkanal Heritage Walks. Participants welcomed the initiative and expressed enthusiasm for learning about their village’s history through direct engagement with its people, traditions and historic sites.
DHW also invited young practitioners of Paika martial arts to perform at its annual function, offering them a platform to showcase their skills and encourage the continuation of the traditional art form.
