The “Patha Utsav”, the State capital’s popular cultural street extravaganza, is back again with a theme on hockey as the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup underway in the city now.
More than 20,000 enthusiastic early risers hit the streets of Janpath to partake in Patha Utsav which was held from 6 am to 10 am. Students from Sports Hostel, Kalinga Stadium displayed their skills of hockey and were cheered up by the crowed.
Itishri Dixit, a social worker and singer, drew a beautiful “Rangoli” on hockey theme and her team created beautiful images of the Odisha Men’s World Cup Hockey-2018 cup and also several key players.
The two stages on each end of Janpath, Master Canteen Square and Ram Mandir Square, also had performances by city-based groups and especially Ama Kalakara Parivar. The singers and DJs also promoted the FEST through their performances and songs. The Jai Odisha, a group of young social workers, not only organised street hockey but also held a quiz programme among the visitors, especially kids.
The band of Sai International School performed on Stage I near Master Canteen and there were stalls on Mo Bus and Mo Cycle by the Capital Region Urban Transport to popularise mass trasnsport and cycling for a greener city. There were also health camps by AYUSH department, Yoga sessions and Zumba by the Stay Fit.
While local junior hockey team members utilised the stretch for their routine practice and warm up sessions, others utilised this road for playing football, badminton and roller-skating. The event also provided free health check-up booths. An exhibition of khadi products was seen on the path.