Khandagiri Mela kicks off in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: The annual Khandagiri Mela began today at the foothills of Khandagiri and Udayagiri in Bhubaneswar on the occasion of ‘Magha Saptami’.

While traders and craftsmen from various parts of the country have assembled at the Mela, this year the Khandagiri-Udaygiri Mahotsav will be a highlight of the fair. The mahotsav, a new addition to the traditional fair, is being organized by the State Culture and Tourism department, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC). The mahotsav which will continue till January 28 will showcase various aspects of Odisha’s rich history in digital format and will also feature cultural performances by artistes from around the State.

More than 300 stalls offering crafts, jewellery, food items and other articles have opened around the Khandagiri hills.

As many as 13 troupes would also showcase ‘Jatra’ during the mela.

Keeping in mind the huge footfalls during the mela, the administration has laid more emphasis on parking and sanitation facilities for visitors, informed sources.