Speaker Surama Padhy Joins Swing Festivities at Brahmeswar Raja Mahotsav in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: A four-day-long Brahmeswar Raja Mahotsav was celebrated for the first time at the Brahmeswar Melan Ground under the aegis of the Utkal Seva and Siksha Charitable Trust, drawing enthusiastic participation from residents, cultural performers and dignitaries.

The festival was inaugurated by Odisha Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy, who attended as the chief guest. Adding a festive touch to the celebrations, the Speaker also enjoyed a ride on a traditionally decorated swing installed at the venue, symbolising the spirit of Raja festival.

Among those present on the occasion were Ekamra MLA Babu Singh, senior BJP leader Jagannath Pradhan, BJP Mahila Morcha leader Subhasini Prusti, Rajarani Mandal president Sangram Martha, Bhimeswar Mandal president Prashant Pradhan and Rajarani Mandal Yuva Morcha president Ashish Mohanty.

The concluding day of the festival was attended by Sudatta Pattnaik, Director of Eastern Media Limited, and Tanaya Pattnaik, CEO of Sambad Group, along with BJP district president Niranjan Mishra and other guests.
A major attraction of the event was the fairground featuring various amusement rides, including giant wheels, horse swings, boat swings and a dragon ride.

Women members of Self-Help Groups from Ward No. 58 set up traditional pitha stalls alongside food and garment kiosks, showcasing local entrepreneurship and Odia culture. The guests appreciated the efforts to promote traditional cuisine and community participation.

The festival also featured daily evening cultural programmes, including Odissi dance, Sambalpuri folk performances and modern dance presentations by young artistes. Ward No. 58 social worker and Trust president Purnima Pattnaik encouraged children to showcase their talents on stage.

Guests felicitated several young volunteers who contributed to the successful organisation of the event. The Raja Queen Competition emerged as one of the highlights of the four-day celebration, attracting significant public interest.

Trust president Purnima Pattnaik, along with Jasmine Kar, Debasmita Mishra, Nandini Sahu and other members, played a key role in organising the festival. The event blended tradition, culture and community participation, making it a vibrant celebration of Odisha’s Raja festival.