Date:26/10/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/10/26/stories/2007102657490200.htm

Other States - Orissa

Celebrating, traditionally

Correspondent

Kumarpurnima is enjoyed by unmarried girls

— Photo: Lingaraj Panda

Diva in the making: Children taking part in the little miss and little master competition organised by ’Youth’ at Jaydev Bhawan on the occasion of Kumar Purnima in Bhubaneswar.

BHUBANESWAR: Times have changed but not their taste and respect for the tradition.

Thus, while Kumar Purnima, Orissa’s popular and exclusive festival for unmarried girls, was celebrated with much enthusiasm in many parts of the State - in villages in particular - on Thursday evening; city-bred tiny tots and teenagers left no stone unturned to experience the festive fever here.

At the Jayadev Bhawan, city-based seven-year-old cultural organisation ‘Youth’ hosted this exclusive event that recreated the scene of the villages where group of girls gather tonight to do choral singing of the popular song “phula baulabeni.”

A dance-drama was staged by the organisation that regaled the audience.

Tourism Minister Debi Prasad Mishra and City Mayor Mihir Mohanty, who jointly inaugurated the event, also watched the cultural extravaganza.

“It’s nice to note that the city folks have not lost their links with their roots despite a sea-change in taste and time,” observed Mr.Mishra.

Fashion show

Earlier on the day, contests were held among a large number of the kids to win the Little Master and Little Miss titles. Besides, painting and modern dance competition were also organised to mark the occasion.