The Women and Child Development Department of the Odisha Government organised ‘Kotie Hasa – Annual Child Fest 2026’ across the state on Saturday to promote joyful parenting, early childhood care and holistic child development on the occasion of Children’s Day.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida attended the state-level celebration at Mainshikhal, Harinagar, in Bhubaneswar, where around 700 children aged 0–6 years participated along with their parents and caregivers.
CM’s Deputy Stresses Importance of Parental Involvement
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida highlighted the importance of love, affection, care and meaningful engagement in shaping a child’s future during the early years.
She emphasised that nurturing children is a shared responsibility of both parents and urged fathers to take an active role in childcare and early learning.
She also stressed the importance of preserving traditional practices such as lullabies, storytelling and playful interactions, which play a significant role in children’s emotional, social and cognitive development.
Play-Based Learning Takes Centre Stage
The state-level event featured several interactive activities designed separately for infants and toddlers aged 0–3 years and children aged 3–6 years.
Activity corners showcased Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) materials, Pre-School Education (PSE) kits, traditional storytelling and lullabies by grandparents, and do-it-yourself (DIY) toy-making using locally available and low-cost materials.
Fathers participated in toy-making activities, highlighting their role in children’s early development.
Children enthusiastically took part in action songs, dance, storytelling and drawing competitions. The Deputy Chief Minister distributed prizes and certificates to the winners and felicitated fathers for their innovative toy-making efforts.
Gift kits were also distributed among children to encourage creative activities and play-based learning at home.
Celebrations Across All Anganwadi Centres
The ‘Kotie Hasa’ festival was organised simultaneously across all Anganwadi Centres in Odisha. Special district-level celebrations were also held at selected model Anganwadi Centres near district headquarters.
The initiative aimed to strengthen awareness about responsive parenting, early childhood stimulation and the importance of providing children with a supportive environment for their overall growth.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department, Dr Mrinalini Darswal, Director Monisha Banerjee and other senior officials and dignitaries attended the programme.
Through ‘Kotie Hasa’, the state government aims to promote a culture of joyful parenting and ensure that every child gets an opportunity to grow, learn and flourish in a caring and supportive environment.