Puri: The 24th National Lokmela–2026 and the 17th National Krushi Mela–2026 commenced with grandeur at the Golden Sea Beach premises in Puri on Sunday, with Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo inaugurating the five-day national-level event.
Organised by Shree Kshetra Suchana, the twin fairs will continue until June 5, bringing together folk artists, tribal communities, farmers, agricultural experts, artisans, government departments and exhibitors from across the country.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony as chief guest, Singh Deo underscored the role of folk culture, tribal heritage and modern agricultural technology in building a self-reliant India. He said such national platforms contribute significantly to strengthening cultural identity and promoting innovation in agriculture.
The Deputy Chief Minister noted that the event would complete 25 years next year and assured his participation in the Silver Jubilee celebrations. He also announced plans to engage with Agriculture Ministers from different states and invite farmers and cultural troupes from across the country to make the event more inclusive and representative.
Emphasising the vision of Developed India @2047 and Developed Odisha @2036, Singh Deo said these goals could be achieved through collective efforts. He further remarked that the spirit of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” would gain momentum from the sacred land of Puri.
The inaugural session began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and Vedic chanting. Guests were felicitated with bouquets and traditional shawls. Rajesh Kumar Mohanty, General Secretary of Shree Kshetra Suchana, outlined the organisation’s activities and the objectives behind the twin fairs.
On the occasion, Madhab Chandra Pujapanda Samant extended invitations for the upcoming Silver Jubilee Lokmela by presenting guests with Mahaprasad and traditional offerings from the Shree Jagannath Temple. Acharya Harekrishna Satapathy, President of Shree Kshetra Suchana and former Vice-Chancellor, reflected on the 24-year journey of the Lokmela and its contribution to preserving tribal and folk traditions while empowering farmers through the Krushi Mela.
Rajya Sabha MP Shubhashish Khuntia, attending as chief speaker, said the national folk art and agriculture fair in Puri, a major centre of pilgrimage and tourism, should serve as a source of inspiration for education, art and culture.
Folk and tribal artists from different states were felicitated during the programme. Organising Committee President Jayant Kumar Sarangi delivered the presidential address, while Administrative Committee Chairman Badri Mishra welcomed the guests. Madhab Chandra Pujapanda Samant, Ramachandra Das Mahapatra and Santosh Kumar Mohanty also addressed the gathering.
A cultural evening held after the inauguration showcased traditional folk dances, tribal performances and folk music by artistes from Odisha, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tripura, Assam and several other states. The colourful display of costumes, music and indigenous traditions emerged as a major attraction for visitors.
Organisers said the National Lokmela has evolved into an important platform for preserving and promoting India’s tribal and folk heritage under the banner of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”, while the National Krushi Mela has emerged as a key forum for knowledge-sharing and technology exchange among farmers, researchers, agri-entrepreneurs and institutions.
Over the next five days, the twin events will host a wide range of cultural performances, exhibitions, handicraft displays and agricultural showcases, attracting participants and visitors from across the country.
