Balasore, Mar 19: The Radha Nath Ray Memorial Festival commenced, celebrating the rich cultural and literary heritage of the region along the Kansabansh River. The event, presided over by Nityananda Kar, saw a large gathering of dignitaries, literary enthusiasts, and locals eager to participate in the festivities.

The festival’s inaugural ceremony was graced by Balasore Zilla Parishad President Narayan Pradhan, who highlighted the importance of promoting development across the four blocks nourished by the river, encouraging local communities to actively participate in cultural and environmental preservation efforts.

Renowned editor Deba Narayan Sethi, chief speaker for the occasion, praised the natural beauty and serene flow of the Kansabansh River, emphasizing its significance in the cultural and spiritual landscape of the region. He also called upon scholars and locals to strengthen community engagement and preserve the heritage of the area.

Other distinguished guests included Balasore District Collector Sudhakar Nayak, local liaison officer Rajesh Priyadarshi, and Indrajit Kumar De, director of the Shri Ram Group of Institutes, who highlighted how the festival revives the 32 spiritual traditions associated with Lord Jagannath.

The festival featured literary readings, cultural performances, and humorous sketches. Comedians and performers from Prameya News 7, including Maganna, delighted the audience with mimicking performances highlighting the cultural identity of the region. Editor Ananta Kumar Patra curated the literary sessions, while Jayant Kumar Nayak led the recitation of Lord Jagannath’s dhyan mantra.

Awards and certificates were distributed to outstanding participants across various competitions. The event was organised with the support of the festival committee and editorial board members, including Basanta Kumar Kar, Purushottam Behera, Kshitish Jena, Malay Kumar Mahakud, Rabindra Kumar Nayak, and Arup Kumar Das.

Special attention was given to the 32 traditional forms of Lord Jagannath, which were highlighted as the main attraction of the festival. The committee also leveraged various cultural programmes to promote creative expression and community participation.

The festival drew a wide range of artists, including film and television actress Riya Dey, and singer Krishna, captivating audiences with their performances and making the event a vibrant celebration of local heritage.