Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government on Saturday organised ‘Kotiye Hasa – Annual Children’s Festival 2026’ across the state to promote early childhood care, parental involvement and play-based learning among children.
The state-level programme, organised by the Women and Child Development Department at Mainshikhal in Harinagar, Bhubaneswar, was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida. The festival was simultaneously observed at all Anganwadi centres across Odisha, with special programmes at selected model centres near district headquarters.
Around 700 children in the 0-6 age group, along with their parents and guardians, participated in the state-level event, which featured a range of activities promoting creativity, joyful interaction and early learning.
Addressing the gathering, Parida said a child’s future was shaped during the formative years through love, care, affection and meaningful engagement. Emphasising that childcare was a shared responsibility, she urged fathers to take an active role in their children’s upbringing and early education.
She also stressed the importance of traditional practices such as lullabies, storytelling and interactions with grandparents in fostering children’s emotional, social and intellectual development.
Separate activity sessions were organised for children below three years and those in the 3-6 age group. Various activity corners showcased foundational literacy and numeracy materials, pre-school education kits, traditional storytelling, lullabies and demonstrations of low-cost toy-making by fathers using locally available materials.
Children took part in action songs, dance, storytelling and drawing competitions. Parida distributed prizes and certificates to the winners and felicitated fathers for making innovative toys. Gifts were also distributed among children to encourage creative activities and play-based learning at home.
During her visit to the activity corners, the Deputy Chief Minister interacted with children, parents and Anganwadi workers and urged families to incorporate play-based learning into children’s daily routines.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department Mrinalini Darswal, Director Monisha Banerjee and other senior officials were present at the programme.
The department said the initiative aimed to strengthen awareness about responsible parenting, early childhood stimulation and the need for a supportive environment for children’s overall growth and development.
