Bhubaneswar: The five-day State-Level Children’s Festival, MAHAK-2026, was inaugurated at the Practice Ground of Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, bringing together children from Child Care Institutions across Odisha to showcase their talents in art, culture, music and other creative activities.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida inaugurated the festival as the Chief Guest by releasing balloons into the sky. Addressing the participating children, she appreciated their talent, confidence and enthusiasm and encouraged them to pursue their dreams with determination.
Emphasising the need to ensure dignity, equal opportunities and proper guidance for every child under care and protection, Parida urged the participants to dream big and work towards their aspirations without limitations. She assured them that the State Government would continue to support them and create an environment in which they could realise their potential.
Law, Works and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan attended the inaugural ceremony as the Guest of Honour. He praised the determination, enthusiasm and morale displayed by the participating children.
A major highlight of the inaugural programme was the unveiling of the ‘Orphan Survey Report 2025’, prepared by the Department of Women and Child Development.
The programme began with children from Adruta Shishu Gruha, Khordha, presenting the State Anthem, ‘Bande Utkala Janani’.
Children who secured top positions at district-level festivals across all 30 districts of Odisha are participating in the state-level event. Various competitions, including dance, music, painting, debate and quiz, have been planned to give them opportunities to demonstrate their abilities, explore their creativity and build confidence.
Organised by the Odisha State Child Protection Society (OSCPS) under the Department of Women and Child Development, the festival is being held from November 3 to 7 at Kalinga Stadium.
The programme has two segments. The first two days, under MAHAK, focus on creativity, arts and cultural expression, while the remaining three days will feature UTSAH, dedicated to sports and the broader development of children’s talents.
Winners of the MAHAK competitions will be felicitated at the concluding ceremony scheduled for November 4.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Department of Women and Child Development Dr Mrinalini Darswal, Director Monisha Banerjee and other senior departmental officials attended the inaugural ceremony.
Through the initiative, the state government aims to provide children under care and protection with opportunities, encouragement and guidance to develop their abilities and work towards an empowered and self-reliant future.
