Bhubaneswar: Odisha schoolboy Shriyans Panda poster on the Chakulia Panda was among the winners in the National Level Poster Competition on Celebrating India.
The Heritage Education and Communication Division of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) organised the competition as part of its initiative for heritage awareness, and aimed at increasing awareness about our glorious nation among school children.
Around 120 Chapters of INTACH participated in the competition, which attracted nearly 10,000 entries from all over India.
Twenty schools of Odisha participated in the competition.
The contestants were asked to draw a poster on any local festival, tradition, custom or ritual of their respective state. They were also asked to write a 200-word description on the chosen theme.
A Class VII student of Saraswati Public School, Bhubaneswar, Shriyans’ poster on the Chakulia Panda drew the jury’s attention. His depiction of the wandering minstrel, recognised by marks of white sandalwood on the forehead, palm leaf umbrella and rice bag, was a poignant reminder of the dwindling numbers of Chakulia Pandas. The Chakulias have been an integral part of coastal Odisha’s cultural fabric, particularly in Kendrapada and Jagatsinghpur districts.