Odisha Deputy CM inaugurates MAHAK-2026 children’s festival

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida inaugurated the state-level children’s festival, MAHAK-2026, at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. Organized by the Odisha State Child Protection Society under the Department of Women and Child Development, the five-day event runs from November 3 to November 7.

The festival brings together children from various Child Care Institutions across Odisha’s 30 districts to showcase talents in music, dance, painting, debate, and quiz competitions. The event is divided into two segments: MAHAK, which focuses on arts and cultural expression, and UTSAH, which focuses on sports and talent development.

During the ceremony, the Department of Women and Child Development also released the Orphan Survey Report 2025. Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan attended as a guest of honor, joining the Deputy Chief Minister in encouraging the participants to pursue their aspirations with confidence.