Grand Odia New Year programme organized in Nabarangpur with cultural performances and festive gatherings

Nabarangpur, April 17:  On the occasion of Odia Paksha, which began on April 1, an Odia New Year celebration was आयोजित today marking Maha Vishuba Sankranti at the District Collector’s office premises in Nabarangpur.
The program was jointly organized by the Department of Odia Language, Literature & Culture and the Panchayati Raj Department. A large number of women and young participants from various blocks and urban areas of the district took part in the event.
Traditional activities such as pitha-pana, hulahuli, and jhoti-muruj competitions were held, showcasing the rich cultural identity of Odisha.
The chief guest, Additional District Magistrate (General) and nodal officer for Odia Paksha, Tapan Khuntia, attended the event. District Social Welfare Officer Draupadi Kahanr and District Culture Officer Ghasia Harijan ensured smooth आयोजन of the program.
Judges included social worker Manorama Majhi, Nandahandi CDPO Sasmita Bala Mohanty, District Programme Officer (Child Marriage Prevention) Rama Pattnaik, Sub-divisional Programme Officer Pushpa Pattnaik, and Kalpana Mohanty from the Social Welfare Department.
Competition Results:
Jhoti Competition: Madan Jani (1st), Smitarani Sahu (2nd), Meena Jani (3rd)
Pitha Competition: Martha SHG Group, Papadahandi (1st), Budai Dora (2nd), Pushpalata Pattnaik (3rd)
Hulahuli Competition: Pushpalata Pattnaik (1st, 12 seconds), Geetanjali Pujari (2nd), Puja Biswas (3rd)
At the end of the event, prizes and certificates were distributed to winners, while all participants were honored with certificates of appreciation.
The chief guest highlighted the importance of Odia New Year and the need to preserve the Odia language and culture. The program concluded with a vote of thanks by the District Social Welfare Officer.