Baleswari Jaukandhei Selected for National Art Festival: Town High School Students Sameer and Suraj Invited

Balasore, Oct 24 (Krushna Kumar Mohanty):
The State-level Art Festival 2025, organized by the Government of India, concluded recently at the Balika High School campus in Unit-6, Bhubaneswar.

Students from five zones of Odisha participated in 12 different categories. Among them, Sameer Behera and Suraj Behera, Class X students of Balasore Town High School, won the first prize in the Indigenous Toys category. They crafted a “Baleswari Jaukandhei wedding scene” using the traditional Jaukandhei art form.

Both students have been selected to represent Odisha at the upcoming National-level Art Festival to be held in Delhi next month.

After qualifying at the cluster, block, district, and North Odisha zonal levels, the duo topped the state round and earned their place at the national level. Their achievement in showcasing Odisha’s traditional Jaukandhei craft at such a prestigious platform has brought glory and pride to Balasore.

Congratulations have poured in from various quarters, including renowned Jaukandhei artist Keshudas, guide teacher Sasmita Giri, artist Kanaklata Das, teachers of the school, and members of the Jaukandhei Wedding Festival Committee.