Bhubaneswar, June 17: The four-day State-Level Raja Mahotsav, organized by Nuagaon Grameen Bikash Manch, concluded on Tuesday with a grand cultural programme and prize distribution ceremony. The festival, which celebrated Odia culture and traditions, witnessed enthusiastic participation from artists, performers and local residents.

Group Editor of Prameya and News7, Gopal Krushna Mohapatra, attended the closing ceremony as chief guest. Praising the organizers and local residents for their collective efforts, he said the festival had acquired a distinct state-level stature. He assured that Prameya and News7 would continue to stand with the people of the region and highlight local issues before the government for their resolution.

Prameya Bhubaneswar Bureau Chief Debendra Suar and News7 Working Editor Debnarayan Sethi also lauded the event, describing it as one of the most unique Raja celebrations in the region.

Several dignitaries, including Padma Shri awardee and master craftsman Prabhakar Maharana, Regional Development Council President Brundaban Sahu, Arun Kumar Purohit, Sanjay Giri, Basant Sundaray, Manch President Basant Kumar Baral, Secretary Dr Chinmayananda Barjena, Gajendra Das, Shiva Narayan Ray, Lingaraj Sahu and educationist Dr Upendra Sahu, were present on the occasion.

The organizers felicitated the guests and awarded winners of various competitions, including dance, music, conch-shell blowing, hulahuli and Jhoti. Mumbai-based singer Pamela Jain enthralled the audience with her performance, while actress Jhilik Bhattacharjee, Ardhendu Sundar Sahu and other artists added glamour to the evening. Comedian Nali Amba entertained spectators with his humour, while a colourful melody programme kept the audience engaged till the end.

Speaking on the occasion, Manch President Basant Kumar Baral reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to preserving and promoting Odia art and culture and announced plans to host the festival on an even larger scale next year.