A Sita Utsav was inaugurated in Kandhamal’s Daringbadi area, known for its natural beauty and snow fall during winter, by State Culture Minister Ashok Panda. Held for the first time by the Department of Tourism and Culture to promote the tourism potential of the area and its art and culture, the inaugural function of the three-day event witnessed a huge gathering of artists, painters and litterateurs. School and Mass Education Minister Debi Prasad Mishra, Energy and IT Minister Pranab Prakash Das, Bhubaneswar MP Prassana Patsani and Kandhamal MP Pratyusha Rajeswari Singh appreciated the efforts of the Culture Department to organise the Utsav. A painting exhibition was organised at the Hill View Station where 30 painters participated, covering areas like environment, nature and tribals. Minister Panda also inaugurated the exhibition, which would be open to the visitors for three days. Odishi, Singhari and Gotipua dances were held while renowned singers like laxmikant Palit, Manmmath Mishra and Sailabhama performed. Among others, Tourism and Culture Secretary Aravind Padhi, Director Sushil Das, Kandhamal Collector N Tirumala Nayak and lalitkala Ekademi president Siba Panigrahi were present.