Bolangir, Dec 27: The 17th All India Mathakhai Festival, organized in memory of Krushna Chandra Mohapatra (KC), was successfully held at Kosal Kala Mandal area of Bolangir. The event was hosted by the Mathkhai Festival Organizing Committee, marking a significant cultural celebration.

As per tradition, the evening began with cultural performances, followed by an assembly and concluding with a drama performance. The highlight of the evening was the play "Kaunra," which was staged in Odia and explored themes of human ambition, greed, and the consequences of forgetting past kindnesses.

The play "Kaunra" conveyed a poignant message: just as a person stumbles when stepping on a rock, a person who forgets the favors of others is bound to fall when they gain power or position. The narrative highlighted how human desires often lead to downfall, with the difficulty of recovering from such falls. The play was well-received by the audience, drawing a large crowd eager to witness the performance.

During the event, former Minister Niranjan Patnaik, as the chief guest, shared his thoughts. He emphasized the importance of the Mathkhai Festival and its cultural significance, noting that it is the first-ever festival of its kind in Odisha. He also expressed his admiration for the festival's origin, which he attributed to the late Sri Narasingh Mishra, whose vision made it possible. Patnaik praised the festival for promoting Odisha's rich cultural heritage and for providing a platform for multi-lingual drama performances.