The three-day Sourika Yuva Mahotsav, an annual festival of the people living in the picturesque Sukinda Valley in Jajpur district, drew large crowds this year.
Marking the National Youth Day, the festival started from January 12.
Sukinda MlA Priti Ranjan Ghadai flagged off the ceremony in the presence of Jajpur lok Sabha Member Rita Tarai, MlAs Debasis Nayak and Amar Prasad Satpathy, Sukinda block Chairman Bhagabati Mahant, Jajpur Zilla Parishad president Susanta Mishra and Danagadai block Chairman lalita Ray.
Former Minister Prafulla Chandra Ghadai and Jajpur District Collector Satya Kumar Mallick also attended the function on the second day.
Ghadai said the rich culture and tradition of Sukinda is rare in Country.
“I was working to promote the socio-cultural life of the local people and I would continue to give my effort to build Sukinda as an ideal region,” said Ghadai.
Collector Satya Kumar Mallick promised to give all support to protect and promote the culture of the Sukinda Vally. The district administration had taken a number of steps for economic development of the area, he added.
Ghadai was felicitated on the occasion.Tribals and local Self Help Groups showcased their handicrafts, agriculture and forest produces in the festival.