Bhubaneswar, December 30: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi graced the occasion of the grand Bargarh Dhanuyatra on Tuesday evening by laying the foundation stone and inaugurating various development projects worth ₹1362 crore for Bargarh district. The event took place at the royal court of Maharaja Kans.

Addressing the gathering, CM Majhi emphasized that the Bargarh Dhanuyatra is not merely an open-air performance but a powerful symbol of Odia pride, culture, art, and heritage, reflecting the true spirit of the people. He reiterated his government's commitment to preserving and promoting the Odia language, literature, and culture.

The Chief Minister expressed his delight at launching these significant projects, which he believes will bring transformative development to the region. He also highlighted the government's efforts to elevate the Dhanuyatra festival to the global stage by seeking UNESCO recognition. Additionally, he announced the construction of a permanent 'Rangmahal' (theatre) to preserve the festival’s legacy for future generations.

"Inspired by the vision of our Honorable Prime Minister, who advocates for both 'Development and Heritage,' we are reinforcing Odisha’s cultural economy," CM Majhi said. "Dhanuyatra is a beautiful blend of our spiritual and social life, and it is our duty to honor the artists who bring this unique tradition to life. To support this, the grant for the festival has been increased to ₹1.5 crore."

The Chief Minister concluded by reaffirming that 'Odia Identity' is not just a concept but an essential part of governance. He called for greater coordination between art, culture, and development to build a prosperous and proud Odisha.