Sudam Babu|state Buero chief odisha

Subarnapur, November 12, 2026: Subarnapur district is gearing up for a grand celebration of its cultural heritage as the district’s annual folk festival will be organised under a new identity, Subarna Lok Mahotsav, from January 7 to 11, 2027. Adding to the celebrations, a Book Fair and the ORMAS Pallishree Mela will be held simultaneously from January 7 to 15, offering visitors a vibrant combination of folk traditions, literature, handicrafts and rural products.

The decision to rename the existing Mahima Lok Mahotsav was taken during a preparatory meeting held at the District Collector’s Conference Hall on Thursday. The meeting was chaired by District Collector Devashish Singh and attended by senior citizens, artists, cultural organisations, teachers, media representatives and government officials.

After considering suggestions from participants and securing majority support, the gathering agreed to adopt the name Subarna Lok Mahotsav for the district’s flagship cultural event.

Book Fair to Highlight Local Writers and Young Readers

The accompanying Book Fair will place special emphasis on encouraging regional literature and reading habits. Three to four stalls will be reserved for local authors, while a separate stall will cater specifically to children. Publishers from Western and Southern Odisha are also expected to participate, providing readers with access to a diverse collection of books and publications.

Five Days of Cultural Celebrations

The main festival will feature performances by various cultural groups between January 7 and 11. Special programmes designed for students will continue during the subsequent four days. While classical dance presentations will be screened through recorded programmes, other dance performances will take place live on the festival stage.

The inaugural procession will carry special religious and cultural significance. The ceremonial torch will be brought from Sureswari Temple, while the sacred Agyanmala will arrive from Subarnameru Temple. This marks a change from the previous year, when the ceremonial torch was brought from Khaliapali.

Focus on Facilities, Safety and Cleanliness

The meeting also discussed arrangements for visitors and festival participants. Parking charges have been set at Rs. 10 for two-wheelers and Rs. 20 for four-wheelers.

Culture Development Officer Yamuna Pradhan informed the gathering that approximately Rs. 80 lakh had been spent on last year’s festival. Collector Devashish Singh pointed out that the overall expenditure could rise this year because three major events would be organised at the same venue.

Stressing the importance of smooth event management, the Collector instructed the concerned departments to ensure a plastic-free festival परिसर and maintain cleanliness throughout the venue. He also called for strict adherence to food safety standards at food stalls, mobile ATM services, sufficient drinking water, regular toilet cleaning and effective security arrangements. Officials were further directed to make arrangements for supplying fresh flower bouquets.

Senior Officials Attend Preparatory Meeting

Several senior district officials participated in the discussions, including Additional District Magistrate (Revenue) Rajendra Majhi, Additional District Magistrate (General) Aniruddha Pradhan, Chief Development Officer of Zilla Parishad Ashwini Meher, Additional Superintendent of Police K.K. Hariprasad, Chief District Medical and Public Health Officer Dr Usha Rani Das, Subarnapur Sub-Collector Dr Soumyarupa Rath and Birmaharajpur Sub-Collector Surendra Meher.

Culture Development Officer Yamuna Pradhan coordinated the preparatory meeting.

With the folk festival, Book Fair and ORMAS Pallishree Mela coming together, Subarnapur is expecting a lively cultural and commercial gathering in January. The combined celebrations are expected to showcase the district’s artistic traditions, provide greater visibility to local writers and artisans, and create new marketing opportunities for self-help groups, rural producers and entrepreneurs.

The new identity of Subarna Lok Mahotsav is also expected to strengthen the district’s cultural recognition while bringing communities, artists, readers and visitors together for an extended celebration.