The 36th Natraj Kumarotsav festival was celebrated here on Sunday, following all norms of Covid guideline. The Kumarotsav festival which is usually held on night of Kumarapurnima, reportedly was not observed this year due to Covid restrictions.The district administration banned use of even mike during festive season from Durga Puja to Dewali. However, the age old tradition of Kumarotsav was observed later. Dhenkanal MP Mahesh Sahu and national secretary of Lok Sevak Mandal, Printer and Publisher, TheSamaj, Niranjan Rath were honourable guests on occasion. Both guests appreciated efforts of Nataraj Sangeet Mahavidyalaya. Sangeet Guru Jamini Ranjan Das,Dance Guru Gaurishankar Dash, Tabla Guru Upendra Mallick, musician Diptish Mohapatra, vocal artist Simran Dash, comedian Ambika Prasad Pattanaik and Aravinda Sahu, were felicitated with Natraj Samman during occasion. The meeting was presided over by Protima Sinha. Satya Kar delivered introductory speech. General secretary Er. Ashok Dash read annual report while Natraj senior member Madhu Sudan Rout offered vote of thanks. In Cultural Programme Natraj students performed Odishi dance, traditional Kumarapunei janha and Bihu dance of Assam.