Sanskriti Bhawan comes alive as people celebrate Odia Paksha and Odia New Year with traditional fervour

Malkangiri, April 17:  The concluding समारोह of Odia Paksha along with Maha Vishuba Sankranti and the Odia New Year was celebrated with great enthusiasm at the Sanskriti Bhawan in Malkangiri.
The Sub-Collector attended as the chief guest, while District Social Welfare Officer Gouri Nayak, District Food Safety Officer Prabhas Sethi, Programme Officer Indira Pradhan, and CDPO Rekha Shobha Sundar were present as distinguished guests.
The main objective of Odia Paksha is to promote the use and spread of the Odia language at all levels. Addressing the gathering, the Sub-Collector emphasized that the Odia language is a symbol of identity and pride, and its use is essential to pass on culture and traditions to future generations.
Speakers also highlighted that food habits are an integral part of culture. Through initiatives like the Eat Right campaign, awareness about healthy eating can help build a healthier Odisha. The importance of using the mother tongue for effective implementation of government schemes was also stressed.
On this occasion, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) working at Aahar centers were felicitated for receiving recognition certificates from the state government.
Competitions such as jhoti, pitha-pana, and hulahuli were organized, and winners were awarded prizes.
The program was coordinated by District Information & Public Relations Officer Pramila Majhi, with support from the Culture and Social Welfare departments. Anganwadi workers and many participants actively took part in making the event a success.