The 16th Dhenkanal Mahotsav got underway at the Mini Stadium here on Monday with chief guest Steel and Mines Minister Prafulla Kumar Mallick inaugurating the event.
The Minister lauded efforts of the Dhenkanal District Council of Culture and the district administration for organising such a month-long fair from panchayat to district levels to boost the art, culture and literature of the district.
He further stressed on regular training of folk artists for their better performances. Presiding over the meeting, district Collector and District Culture Council Chairperson Rupa Roshan Sahoo sought cooperation from every sector to make the festival successful.
Among others, MlAs Dr Nrusingha Charan Sahoo and Saroj Samal, Zilla Parisad Chairman Binodini Samal, Dhenkanal Municipality Chairman Indramani Behera spoke on the occasion.
On the occasion, one Pabitra Mohan Moharana was felicitated with the Mahima Hasta Kala Samman while Braja Kishore Singh of Kankadahad block awarded with the Mahima Krushi Samman for 2015.
later, performances on various dance forms like Odissi, Bihu, Sambalpuri and other folk dances were presented by several culture organisations.