Bhawanipatna, Kalahandi: From Friday evening to Sunday afternoon, Saraswati Shishu Vidya Mandir in Balaji Vihar, Bhawanipatna, was abuzz with activity as it hosted the Kalahandi Division-Level Bandana Practice Workshop. This event brought together 92 girls and 26 boys from various clusters across the Kalahandi Division, all eager to enhance their skills and engage in the traditional Bandana practice.
The workshop commenced with a grand inauguration ceremony. Esteemed guests, including Bheemasen Sahu, a retired physical education teacher and President's Award recipient; Jitendra Kumar Panda, the music education coordinator for the region; Bipin Bihari Mishra, the divisional inspector for Kalahandi Division; Suresh Sahu, the secretary of Balaji Vihar; and Dasarathi Panda, the headmaster of Balaji Vihar, lit a ceremonial lamp in front of Goddess Saraswati, symbolizing the light of knowledge.
Throughout the workshop, the students were under the expert guidance of Jitendra Kumar Panda, Jay Ram Sahu from the regional education council, Shiv Pradhan, the music head for the southern region, and Janardhan Bag, the music head of the Bhawanipatna cluster. The enthusiasm of the young participants was palpable as they immersed themselves in learning and perfecting the Bandana practices.
The Bandana, a traditional and cultural activity, holds significant importance in the region. It is not just a practice but a way to preserve and promote local heritage and traditions. The children, guided by experienced instructors, engaged in various exercises and performances designed to enhance their understanding and execution of this cultural art form.
As the workshop drew to a close, a closing ceremony was held, marking the successful completion of the event. The ceremony was graced by Sukanta Behera, the southern region coordinator; Roop Singh Raut, the president of the southern region; Dushmant Rath, the southern region secretary; Ashok Singh, the cluster head of Bhawanipatna; Dr. Priya Shashidharan, the president of Balaji Vihar; and Raghuraj Pattnaik, the former secretary of Balaji Vihar. Their presence added a sense of accomplishment and recognition for the young participants.