‘Bhubaneswar Festival Of Storytelling’ begins from Feb 3

Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) is gearing up to host the third edition of the Bhubaneswar Festival of Storytelling (BhuFesto) from February 3 to February 5.

This enthralling event will unfold across four distinct venues in the city: Indira Gandhi Park, Odisha Crafts Museum Kalabhoomi, APJ Abdul Kalam Park in Kalinga Nagar, and Budha Jayanti Park in Niladri Vihar, running from 2:30 pm to 7:30 pm each day.

BhuFesto originated in 2018 as part of DOT FEST during the Men’s Hockey World Cup and returned for its second edition in January 2023, once again coinciding with Dot Fest on the sidelines of the Men’s Hockey World Cup. This year, it seamlessly merges with the Ekamra Utsav, aligning with the ‘Biswa Odia Bhasa Sammilani’ scheduled from February 3 to 5.

The event boasts a diverse array of activities, featuring esteemed oral storytellers such as Biswa Kalyan Rath, Prachi Tara, and Meera Das. Attendees can indulge in captivating storytelling sessions, stand-up comedy, citizen storytelling, inspirational life stories, and folk performances, all exclusively presented in the Odia language.

Emphasizing inclusivity, BDA underscores that BhuFesto serves as a platform for various communities, including schools, colleges, and slums. A special storytelling session using sign language has been curated to cater to visually and hearing-impaired guests, ensuring an enriching experience for all.

As part of its outreach initiative, BDA will collaborate with government and private schools, slums, affordable housing projects, and residential welfare associations, aiming to extend the festival’s impact across diverse segments of the community.