A three-day Raja Mahotsav-2014 organised under the auspices of the Jagannath lalit Kala Sansad, the cultural wing of the Paradip Port Trust, kick-started in the premises of the Silver Jubilee Park here on Saturday to facilitate the denizens of the port township and nearby areas to celebrate the Raja festival en masse.
The Mahotsav was inaugurated by Paradip ladies’ Club president Binita Mishra in the presence of Paradip Port Trust Chairman Sudhanshu Sekhara Mishra.While conveying his Raja greetings PPT Chairman Mishra said, “This is the occasion when the farmers get ready for their cultivation work as the rainy season starts.”
He also informed that the Paradip Port is doing well and has handled the highest-ever record cargo of 68 million tonnes in the financial year 2013-14 and achieved the second position among all the Major Ports of India in terms of cargo handled and percentage of growth during the last financial year. “We have to work hard to ensure further growth of the port,” he said.
State Excise and Cooperation Minister Dr Damodar Rout graced the inaugural function as the chief guest while Jagatsinghpur MP Dr Kulamani Samal attended as the guest of honour.
Various competitions on Odia tradition like Podapitha, Hulahuli, Raja Pana, Raja Besa, Raja Gita and many more will be organised during the three days of the festival. local and outside cultural groups have been invited to present cultural programmes for entertainment of the visitors during these three days.