Sanskar Children’s Festival ‘Mayuri’ Inaugurated in Baripada“Without Values and Traditions, Human Life Becomes Hollow”

Baripada, November 12: The four-day Sanskar Children’s Festival ‘Mayuri’ was inaugurated with great enthusiasm in Baripada today. The festival is being organised at the Children’s Park near Shaheed Smruti Bhavan, the Municipality Guest House and Kalyan Mandap. Hundreds of children, parents and intellectuals attended the inaugural ceremony. The festival began with colourful cultural performances by children, including dance, music and a traditional Jau Craft Doll workshop and art gallery. Inaugurating the festival, Mahanta Babaji Sanatsujatananda Das, head of Gauranga Math, Puri, said, “Without values and traditions, human life becomes hollow. Today’s children are increasingly getting lost in the world of mobile phones and modern technology. The main objective of Mayuri is to reconnect children with their roots, culture and traditions.” Chief Guest Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Odisha, urged children and parents to follow the ideals and lifestyle of Shravan Kumar to build a beautiful and empowered society. Among the distinguished guests were Bangiriposi MLA Sanjali Murmu and State Tribal President Kandara Soren, who encouraged and motivated the young participants. More than 60 competitions have been organised for children, along with various competitions for mothers. Special attractions include sand art, cartoon art, smoke art, Jau craft dolls, live painting, ‘I Will Be a Young Reporter’ and ‘I Am a Mayurbhanjia’, which have generated considerable excitement among children. On the occasion, the theme song of this year's Sanskar Children’s Festival, ‘Jingalala’, was also released. The main stage is hosting colourful cultural programmes, while a children's drama will be staged on Friday evening. A grand Patha Utsav (street festival) will be organised on November 14. Speaking on the occasion, chief organiser and founder Sanjay Kumar Chaudhury said, “Mayuri is not merely a competition. It aims to encourage children to give up excessive mobile phone use, develop a habit of reading books, love their motherland and culture, and showcase their hidden talents.” From the very first day, Baripada has been immersed in the festive spirit of the Mayuri Children’s Festival.