Celebrating Gajanan: A Grand Showcase of Odisha's Folk Literature and Spiritual Heritage

State-Level Gajanan Folk Literature Festival Held at Cuttack 

Cuttack: The 55th program of the Kaibalya Sahitya Sansad successfully organized the State-Level Gajanan Folk Literature Festival at Gandhi Bhawan, Cuttack. The event was conducted in two sessions, featuring a state-level poetry recitation titled "Gajanan Magnificence" and a conference on "Gajanan Puja Rules and Social Spiritual Consciousness." 

Dr. Sangram Keshari Samantaray, founder of the Kaibalya Sahitya Sansad, presided over the event. He emphasized the social significance of spiritual literature and its impact on society. Prof. Dr. Babaji Pattanaik, who attended as the chief guest, highlighted the role of spiritual literature in shaping human values and social awareness. 

The chief speaker, Prof. Dr. Arun Ranjan Mishra from Shanti Niketan University, delved into the theme of Gajanan's influence on Utkal culture. He explained how Gajanan, through his spiritual presence, inspires a deeper social consciousness in the community. 

Several distinguished speakers, including Dr. Biswa Prakash Pattanaik, Dr. Laxman Sahu, Dr. Prashant Kumar Mahana, playwright Abhay Kumar Das, Dr. Snehashree Swain, and Bipin Bihari Barik, also spoke at the event. They each explored the connection between Gajanan worship and the broader spiritual and social consciousness it fosters. 

During the festival, the book "Amrit Akshar" by author Prashant Kumar Maharna was launched. The stage proceedings were skillfully conducted by poet Geetanjali Swain and Dr. Anirudh Kurkuria. 

Adding to the spiritual ambiance, students from the Satya Sanatan Vedic School recited sacred Vedic hymns. Over fifty talented singers and dancers performed devotional songs and Odishi dance in praise of Gajanan. 

Seven Ganesh Puja Committees were honored for their exemplary dedication during the Ganesh Puja celebrations. Additionally, over 200 individuals were recognized with the prestigious Shri Gajanan Saraswat Honor and Shri Gajanan Seva Honor for their contributions to art, literature, and social service. 

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by social worker Sumitra Pani, leaving a lasting impression on all those who attended this grand celebration of Odisha's rich cultural and spiritual heritage.