The 17th Dhenkanal Mahotsav kick-started with a cultural spirit at the Mini Stadium here on Saturday.
Finance Minister Pradeep Kumar Amat inaugurated the festival being organised by the District Cultural Council (DCC).
The cultural meeting was presided over by Steel and Mines Minister Prafulla Kumar Mallick. DCC chief and district Collector Rupa Roshan Sahu delivered the introductory speech.
Among others, District Planning Committee Chairman Dr Nrusingha Charan Sahu, Sadar MlA Saroj Kumar Samal, Hindol MlA Seema Rani Nayak and Zilla Parisad president Binodini Samal were present. DRDA PD Madhu Sudan Mishra offered vote of thanks.
Sarojkanta Pradhan of Dhenkanal and Muralidhar Behera of Bhuban were felicitated with ‘Baji Rout Bravery’ awards for helping police in capturing dacoits and rescuing 13 persons from drowning when a boat had capsized at Malipada Ghat on the Sivaratri. Besides, a police official, Dasarathi Nath, was honoured with the ‘Bhima Bhoi Samman’ for his distinguish service.
Students of the Nataraj Sangeet Mahavidyalaya performed Odissi dance on the inaugural day. The district-level Mahotsav will conclude on April 20.