Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida joins around 700 children and parents at the State-level celebration in Bhubaneswar; calls for greater parental engagement in nurturing happy and healthy childhoods
Bhubaneswar, November 2026: Celebrating the joy of childhood and reinforcing the importance of nurturing care in the formative years, the Women & Child Development Department, Government of Odisha, organised ‘Kotie Hasa – Annual Child Fest 2026’ at Mainshikhal, Harinagar, Bhubaneswar, today in the presence of Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister Smt. Pravati Parida. The celebration was simultaneously organised across Anganwadi Centres and at district and state levels on the occasion of Children's Day, bringing children, parents and caregivers together through joyful, interactive and play-based activities.
Addressing the gathering, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister Smt. Pravati Parida underscored that the foundation of a child's future is built during the early years through love, care, affection and meaningful engagement. She emphasised that nurturing a child is a shared responsibility of both parents and encouraged fathers to participate actively in childcare and early learning. She also highlighted the importance of preserving traditional practices such as lullabies, storytelling and playful interactions, which contribute to children's emotional, social and cognitive development.
The State-level celebration brought together around 700 children in the age group of 0–6 years, along with their parents and caregivers, in an atmosphere filled with enthusiasm, creativity and family participation. The programme placed special emphasis on engaging parents in children's everyday learning experiences, with activities designed separately for infants and toddlers aged 0–3 years and children aged 3–6 years.
During her visit to the activity corners, the Deputy Chief Minister interacted with children, parents and Anganwadi Workers and encouraged families to make learning through play an integral part of a child's upbringing. The activity corners showcased a range of Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) materials and Pre-School Education (PSE) kits, traditional lullabies and storytelling by grandparents, DIY toy-making using locally available and low-cost materials by Fathers, and IEC materials on early childhood care and development.
Children participated enthusiastically in action songs, dance, storytelling and drawing competitions, showcasing their creativity and talent. Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister Smt. Pravati Parida presented prizes and certificates to the winners of the various competitions, recognising their achievements and encouraging their creative expression. Fathers were also felicitated for their innovative DIY toy-making efforts. Gift kits were distributed to children in the 0–6 years age group to encourage creative engagement and play-based learning at home.
Extending beyond the State-level event, Kotie Hasa was celebrated across all Anganwadi Centres in Odisha, with special district-level programmes organised at selected model Anganwadi Centres near district headquarters. The initiative brought communities and families together to strengthen awareness about the importance of responsive parenting, early stimulation and a supportive environment for every child's growth and development.
Through Kotie Hasa, the Department seeks to reinforce the message that childhood should be filled with care, companionship, creativity and joyful learning. The initiative reflects the State Government's commitment to strengthening early childhood care and education and ensuring that every child gets an enabling environment to grow, learn and flourish.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Women & Child Development Department, Dr. Mrinalini Darswal, Director, Smt. Monisha Banerjee, along with other senior departmental officials, dignitaries and officers, were present on the occasion.
