Paralakhedu, January 09: The three-day annual extravaganza of the district – Gajapati Utsav – 2010 – was kicked off yesterday.
Inaugurating the function, Minister of State for Revenue & Disaster Managament Surya Narayan Patro spoke on the cultural heritage of Orissa and vital role played by late Maharaja of Parlakhemundi Krushna Chandra Gajapati in the formation of Orissa. Presiding over the function, chairman of the organising committee and local MLA K Narayana Rao said the main objective of the Ustav is to spot hidden talents of the district and to make the present generation aware about cultural heritage of Gajapati.
Among others, Berhampur MP Siddhant Mahapatra, District Collector Prakash Chandra Das, SP Sarthak Sadangi, Mohana MLA Chakradhar Paik and Project Director of DRDA P K Hota also spoke.
The cultural programmes got off on a colourful note with Odissi performance by artistes of Bhakti Sangeet Sansad of Parlakhemundi followed by Purulia Chau by artistes from West Bengal. Artistes from Ganjam also stole the show. Members of Veer Hanuman Club of Berhampur showcased yoga postures.
Around 130 stalls have been set up to showcase the development activities undertaken by the different departments of the district. A five-day Pallishree Mela is also being organised by ORMAS where in handicrafts products of different parts of the State are being sold.
–Agencies