The traditional festival of fishermen Chaiti Mahotsav was celebrated here at Zero Point in a grand manner with various colourful programme on Wednesday.
On the occasion, Maa Basulei was worshiped at the venue and in the temples of the nearby villages. The Chaiti Ghoda (Chaiti Horses) from different villages of Paradip and Kujang came in processions and congregated at Zero Point. later, the traditional folk dance of fishermen was performed which enthralled the spectators.
In the valedictory function held in the afternoon, State Planning Board Deputy Chairman Bishnu Charan Das attended as chief guest. Kendrapada MlA Kishore Tarai and Dr Sridhara Behera were the guest of honour. A crowd of about 50,000 attended the function.
Notably, Chaito Mahotsav is being organised for the last three years by trade union leader Santosh Kumar Pattnaik. Among others, Eastern India Kaibarta Mahasabha chairman Dilip Kumar Behera, president Alekh Tarai, convenor Abhiram Samal and senior leaders Akshaya Kumar Swain, Jhari Tarai and other committee members were present.