The DIC inaugurated the festival and lighted the ceremonial lamp before visiting the book stalls. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Verma said, “Books are Gold mine. The more you dig deeper, you gain more knowledge from it. Today’s generation should spend more time with books and make them your best friend.” Expressing his happiness over the large number of Odia book stalls, he said, “Odia language is nearest to Sanskrit, and the way Odia literature has developed in the medieval period is remarkable. It is now our responsibility to promote it and encourage people to read and write in Odia”. He concluded by saying, “The book fair must ignite a spark among the young generation to be fearless to read and write”. He also interacted with many book sellers/publishers present at the venue.

Earlier, the programmer commenced with a soulful presentation of invocation song presented by the artists of Bhanja Kala Kendra played by Guru Smt. Binapani Rath. The artists of Bhanja Kala Kendra also presented classical Odissi Sangeet in the inaugural evening. Mr. Sasanka Sekhar Pattanaik, Deputy Manager (PR) anchored the inaugural ceremony. The entire event was smoothly coordinated by the trustees of Bhanja Cultural Trust.

The 10-day literary extravaganza aims to promote reading habits and celebrate literature, culture and creative expression among people of all age groups. The festival features as many as 114 stalls, with participation from leading publishers and booksellers from across the country. Besides reputed publishing houses from Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, prominent publishers from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Raipur, Pune and other major cities are taking part in the event, offering a rich and diverse collection of books.

The Book Festival will remain open from 2 PM to 9 PM on weekdays and 10:00 AM to 9 PM on Sundays.

In addition to book exhibitions and sales, the festival also hosts a wide range of literary and cultural activities. These include book launches, literary workshops, poem recitations and interactive sessions with writers every evening. Cultural programmes featuring classical and semi-classical music, classical and folk dance performances, will add colour to the festival. Special competitions for children will be organised during the festival to encourage creativity and reading habits among young minds. Attractive prizes will be awarded to the winners. Spot quiz competition will be added attraction every evening and the winners will receive awards.

With no entry fee, Rourkela Pustak Mahotsav–2026 is expected to attract book lovers, students, writers and cultural enthusiasts from Rourkela and nearby regions, making it a vibrant celebration of literature and culture.

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A meeting in this regard was held at the Office of the Executive Director (HR) of Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) on 24^th December 2025 under the Chairmanship of Mr. Tarun Misra, ED(HR), which was attended by members of the Bhanja Cultural Trust and senior officers of RSP.

Designed to be a landmark event for book lovers across the region, the Mahotsav will be organized on a magnificent scale. Visitors can expect an eclectic selection of literature featuring prominent national-level publishers showcasing titles that span a myriad of genres and cater to readers of all ages. Beyond the bookshelves, the festival aims to be a hub for intellectual and cultural exchange, with Literary Discussions, Poetry recital sessions, scintillating Cultural Programmes and a diverse array of competitions specifically designed for school students and young adults to create an environment where literature and culture thrive hand-in-hand.

For further details and booking of space interested persons may contact: 8895500912/7978856981 or mail to: rourkelapustakmahotsav@gmail.com.

The post Rourkela Pustak Mahotsav to be organized from 3rd to 12th February 2026 appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.

The evening promises to be a melodious journey with Bishnu Mohan Kabi, one of the celebrated singers of Odia cinema and three popular voices of the Steel City set to present many popular old and new Odia songs in the programme. To mark Kumar Purnima and the rich cultural heritage of Odisha, artists from Bhanja Kala Kendra will present the traditional folk dance ‘Kuanra Punei Jahna Go..’ during the event.

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The Chief Guest along with other dignitaries worshipped Moon at the beautifully crafted Tulasi Chaura,  paid obeisance to Lord Jagannath, and lighted the ceremonial lamp to mark the commencement of the celebrations.

Mr. Misra in his speech extended heartiest wishes of the auspicious day to all the Rourkelites and highly appreciated the efforts of Bhanja Cultural Trust to preserve and promote Odisha’s rich art, literature and culture.

Mr. Misra felicitated two distinguished personalities namely eminent litterateur and academician, Mr. Jitendra Narayan Dash popularly known as Dash Benhur and renowned Odissi Guru Sushree Sangeet Dash with ‘Kumar Utsav Samman’ during the event. Both the recipients applauded the efforts of Bhanja Cultural Trust and RSP for organizing such a grand function to promote and preserve the cultural heritage of Odisha.

The cultural evening started with the traditional folk dance ‘Kuanra Punei Jahna Go..’ by the artists from Bhanja Kala Kendra depicting the rituals and sentiments related to Kumar Purnima.

The star-studded cultural evening witnessed riveting vocal performances comprising old and new Odia songs by the popular Ollywood singer, Mr. Swayam Padhi and his troupe.

At the outset, Mr. P K Swain, in his welcome address, reiterated the commitment of Bhanja Cultural Trust uphold Odia language, literature, culture and heritage.

Mr. Anil Mallick, MOMT, SSM coordinated the program. During the lighting of the lamp, Guru Shri Jyotirmaya Acharya recited the Vedic Mantra. Mr. Jeevan Ballabh Patnaik, GM (Fire Services) & General Secretary, Bhanja Cultural Trust delivered the vote of thanks.

The post ‘Kumar Utsav – 2024’ – A Grand Cultural Programme to mark Kumar Purnima organised by SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant and Bhanja Cultural Trust appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.

The evening promises to be a melodious journey with Swayam Padhi, one of the celebrated singers of Odia cinema and his troupe set to present many popular old and new Odia songs in the programme. To mark Kumar Purnima and the rich cultural heritage of Odisha, artists from Bhanja Kala Kendra will present the traditional folk dance ‘Kuanra Punei Jahna Go..’ during the event.

The post Bhanja Cultural Trust & Rourkela Steel Plant to organise grand cultural evening ‘Kumar Utsav-2024’ on 17th October at Civic Centre appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.