Baripada, (10/04) Gaur Dasgiri district administration has finalized preparations to celebrate Chaitra Festival-2026 in Maha Dhumdham, which is specially recognized for the art culture of Mayurbhanj district. On this occasion, in the press conference held under the chairmanship of Additional District Collector Shri Bhukabandhu Naik, he informed about its various aspects. This year, the Pallishri Mela is also going to be organized concurrently with the Chaitra festival. It will be organized for five long days from 11th of this month to 15th of next month. On the first three days, North Sahi and South Sahi, the famous Chou Akhada, will perform their respective dances along with rural Chou dance. Similarly, folk dance groups from other states such as Matki, Kalbaliya, Kathak, Lavani, Kalari Pithu, Malcolm etc. will perform their own dances. On this occasion, tomorrow at three o’clock in the opening ceremony, a huge procession will be taken out from the temple of the patron saint, Ma Ambika, and will end at the Chou field. Similarly, folk dance groups from other states such as Matki, Kalbaliya, Kathak, Lavani, Kalari Pithu, Malcolm etc. will perform their own dances. Similarly, on the occasion of this Chitra festival, a total of 150 exhibition stalls of different departments are planned to be opened in this Pollishri fair to be organized by Ormas and Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Committee. In addition to this, the jewelry, musical instruments and other items used in Chou dance will be displayed for the public to introduce the Chou dance to the world market. Similarly, various quizzes and treasure hunt competitions related to Chou dance will be organized. Apart from this, it has been decided to open food stalls in different regions and to open food stalls in the country. Various dedicated stalls will be organized for branding, packaging and marketing for the development of rural economy. In today’s meeting, Ormas Deputy CEO Ms. Chuchalakshmi Raut, District Culture Officer Mr. Shudashish Nayak, District Information and Public Relations Officer Mr. Shishir Kumar Munduya and other senior officials of various departments were present.