Bhubaneswar, November 14, 2026: Celebrating childhood through care, creativity and joyful learning, Odisha marked Children's Day with ‘Kotie Hasa - Annual Child Fest 2026’, organised by the Women and Child Development Department across the state on Saturday.

The state-level celebration graced by Deputy Chief Minister and Women and Child Development Minister Pravati Parida witnessed the participation of around 700 children aged 0–6 years, along with their parents and caregivers in Bhubaneswar. 

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Addressing the gathering, Parida emphasised that a child's future is shaped during the early years through love, affection, responsive care and meaningful engagement. She said raising children was not solely the responsibility of mothers and urged fathers to become equally involved in childcare and early learning.

She also stressed the need to preserve traditional parenting practices, including lullabies, storytelling and playful interactions, which play an important role in children's emotional, social and cognitive development.

The celebration featured a series of interactive activities designed separately for children aged 0–3 years and 3–6 years. Special activity corners showcased Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) materials, Pre-School Education (PSE) kits, traditional storytelling by grandparents and DIY toy-making using locally available, low-cost materials by fathers.

Children took part in action songs, dance, storytelling and drawing competitions, adding colour and enthusiasm to the celebration.

During her visit to the activity corners, the Deputy Chief Minister interacted with children, parents and Anganwadi Workers, encouraging families to incorporate play-based learning into children's everyday routines.

She also distributed prizes and certificates to competition winners, felicitated fathers for their innovative toy-making efforts and distributed gift kits among children to promote creative engagement and learning at home.

The initiative was not limited to Bhubaneswar. The ‘Kotie Hasa 2026’ was simultaneously celebrated across Anganwadi Centres throughout Odisha, with special district-level programmes organised at selected model Anganwadi Centres near district headquarters.

The programmes, organsied by the Women and Child Development Department aimed to raise awareness about responsive parenting, early childhood stimulation and the importance of creating a safe, supportive and stimulating environment for every child's growth.

Through ‘Kotie Hasa’, the department seeks to strengthen family participation in early childhood care and education, reinforcing the message that a happy childhood requires love, companionship, creativity and opportunities for joyful learning.

Women and Child Development Secretary Mrinalini Darswal, Director Monisha Banerjee and other senior departmental officials and dignitaries attended the state-level programme.