Balasore Lok Mahotsav, Fourth Evening: “May this small festival grow into a mighty banyan tree,” said the guest

Balasore, 23/11 (Krushna Kumar Mohanty): The fourth evening of the Balasore Lok Mahotsav was held yesterday at the Balasore ITI ground. The meeting was presided over by festival committee chairman Asit Das.

Badasahi MLA Sanatan Bijuli attended as the chief guest. He praised the event for upholding the unity of Balasore, a land known for its art, culture and heritage. He expressed hope that this small festival would one day grow into a great banyan tree.

Distinguished guests included Dr. Shishir Mantri, scientist at IMMT Bhubaneswar; poet Prashant Das; Dr. Basanta Upadhyay from the District Headquarters Hospital Blood Bank; athlete Dutee Chand; and young entrepreneur Utpal Kar. Vice-chairman Bikash Padhi welcomed the guests on stage.

Others present on the dais were working president Srichandan, treasurer Nisith Barik, organisational secretary Sambit Shraban Biswal, members Niranjan Mohanty, Jhadeshwar Jena and Upendra Behera. General secretary Sanjay Samanta, deputy vice-chairman Siman Das Mahapatra, Saubhagya Manas Nayak, editor Tapas Panigrahi, Satya Prakash Pati, Hritik Nayak, Silab Satyakam, Samya Ranjan Yadav, Jitendra Mahalik and Anupam Mishra contributed to the programme.

Traders from across the state and outside have set up more than 300 stalls at the festival. Attractions like the mini bazaar, merry-go-round and water-themed rides have drawn large crowds. On the fourth evening, singer Shashank Shekhar performed.

According to the committee, the Lok Mahotsav will continue till November 28.