Mahuri

The Mahuri is a wind instrument made of wood and metal and it holds a special place in the cultural traditions of Odisha and Chhattisgarh. It is used in religious ceremonies, weddings, bratopanayan, social events and auspicious occasions. It is also referred to as "Mohuri". The Mahuri is an accompaniment in traditional Dalkha performances. Mahuri is also a part of 'Gandabaja', a folk art form from western Odisha.

Musicians who play the Mahuri or Jodi Mahuri are known as Mahuria. Mahurias perform at various events, including temple ceremonies and weddings, with increased demand during the Durga Puja season. They typically charge around ₹1,000 for their performances and often play in groups of three to five. These folk musicians receive support from the Government of Odisha through the Mukhyamantri Kalakar Sahayata Yojana, which provides pensions of ₹2,000 per month for general beneficiaries and ₹2,500 for those aged over 80.