Bhubaneswar: Kandhamal district has emerged as the State-level champion at the State-Level Children’s Cultural Festival ‘Mahak-2026’, while Puri district secured the runners-up position.
The valedictory and prize distribution ceremony of the festival, organised by the Odisha State Child Protection Society (OSCPS) under the Department of Women and Child Development, was held at the Practice Ground of Kalinga Stadium here on Wednesday.
Babu Singh, MLA, Ekamra-Bhubaneswar, attended the ceremony as the chief guest and felicitated the winners. Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department, attended as the guest of honour and addressed the children.
Addressing the gathering, Mrinalini Darswal, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department, said platforms to nurture children’s creativity and talents would always remain open. She encouraged children to confidently showcase their abilities and urged all stakeholders to support initiatives aimed at their holistic development.
Earlier, Monisha Banerjee, Director, ICDS and Social Welfare, welcomed the dignitaries and participants.
Five former inmates of Child Care Institutions (CCIs) were specially felicitated for their exceptional achievements in various fields. Winners of different state-level competitions held as part of Mahak-2026 were also honoured.
The festival provided children with a platform to showcase their talents, creativity and cultural abilities while promoting confidence, participation and self-expression.
