The three-day Seeta Utshav (winter festival) got underway at Daringbadi in Kandhmal district on Friday evening coinciding with the five-day Pallishree Mela.
Culture Minister Ashok Chandra Panda inaugurated the extravaganza in the presence of MP Pratyusha Rajashawri Singh, MlAs Rajiv Patra and Duguini Kahara, Zilla Parishad President Sanjukta Kahara, Brahmapur IG Amitab Thakur, Kandhamal Collector Yamini Sarangi and SP KV Singh.
The Culture Minister said the State Government gives priority to Kandhmal in the tourism sector. “We have provided `60 lakh for development of the Birupakshya temple of Chakapad, Baraldevi temple of Balaskumpa and Putudi”. He further said about `6 crore would be given to Kandhmal for development of its culture and tourism.
On the occasion, IMFA vice-president Sanjib Das wanted setting up of small-scale industries for turmeric, mango and ginger in Kandhamal as these products have demand in Bangladesh and Sri lanka.
While cultural programmes are being held on every evening, various stalls from across the State are installed at the festival.