Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi attended the cultural mega-congregation of the ‘National Bandana Festival – 2026’ as Chief Guest at Aguada in Mayurbhanj district today, where he lauded the ancient traditions, industrious spirit, and deep-rooted love for nature of the Kudmi community.
Extending warm greetings on the auspicious occasion of Bandana Festival, the Chief Minister reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the social, economic, educational, and cultural upliftment of the Kudmi community under Odisha’s inclusive development model.
“Bandana is not merely a festival; it is a living poem celebrating nature, soil, cattle wealth, and human relationships,” CM Majhi remarked while addressing the gathering. “Worshipping nature, venerating agrarian culture, and maintaining deep loyalty to the soil form the very soul of our heritage.”
Describing the Kudmis as true “sons of the soil,” the Chief Minister noted that the art of nurturing the earth with hard work to yield abundant harvests is best learned from this community. He emphasised that their harmonious coexistence with trees, hills, rivers, and animals serves as a guiding light for all of humanity in an era of environmental challenges.
Reflecting on his deep spiritual and emotional connection to the region, CM Majhi called Mayurbhanj his “second home,” adding that visiting the district brings him the same joy as returning home after a brief absence.
Highlighting the historic camaraderie between the Santhal and Kudmi communities in Kendujhar and Mayurbhanj, the Chief Minister recalled fond childhood memories of growing up alongside Kudmi families in his village, celebrating local traditions, and sharing festive pithas (traditional cakes). He also acknowledged the vital role played by his Kudmi colleagues in the state’s political landscape.
Tracing the historical footprint of the hardworking agrarian community across Odisha, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, CM Majhi noted that Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar emerged as their primary heartlands following the formation of the separate Odisha province, with Baripada widely regarded as the “undeclared capital” of Odisha’s Kudmis. He also acknowledged the community’s long-standing demands for inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list and the recognition of the Kudmali language in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
The Chief Minister highlighted how traditional festivals like Gotha Puja, Guhala Puja, and Goru Bandna express gratitude toward cattle, while Karam Parab sends a global message of environmental conservation and the saga of Tusu Devi continues to inspire Kudmi women.
Taking special pride in the academic achievements of Kudmi youth, CM Majhi congratulated state matriculation toppers Digraj Mahanta, Tapan Kumar Mahanta (Kendujhar), Chandan Kumar Mahanta (Kataka), and this year’s topper Partha Sarathi Mahanta (Baripada), alongside Plus-Two Science state topper Sanjana Mahanta from Mayurbhanj.
Guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas,” CM Majhi assured full state support for cultural preservation, farmer livelihood schemes, and cattle development.
Speaking at the event, Housing & Urban Development Minister Dr Krushna Chandra Mahapatra praised the Kudmi community’s unmatched contribution to Mayurbhanj’s heritage, assuring that special priority is being given to their socio-economic progress alongside infrastructure development in Baripada and the wider district.
Forest, Environment & Climate Change and Labour Minister Ganeshram Singh Khuntia noted that the community’s tradition of protecting forests like family is deeply relevant amid modern climate change. He assured that hardworking Kudmi farmers and labourers would be integrated into state labour welfare schemes to ensure their social security.
The event was also graced by Balasore MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi, Mayurbhanj MP Naba Charan Majhi, former Rajya Sabha MP Mamata Mohanta, MLAs Sanatan Bijuli (Badasahi), Bhadav Hansdah (Saraskana), Prakash Soren (Baripada), Jalen Naik (Rairangpur), and Sanjali Murmu (Bangriposi), SDC Chairman Dr Budhan Murmu, National Bandna Parab Committee President Dr Kalipada Mahanta, and Advisor Chhotelal Mahanta.
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