Bhubaneswar: Governor S.C. Jamir inaugurated the 16th edition of Anjali International Children's Festival on Wednesday evening.

He lauded the efforts of the organisers for holding an international festival for children. "Disabled children don't need sympathy from anyone. What they need is constant encouragement and opportunity to showcase their talents," Jamir said.

The inauguration ceremony was preceded by an Odissi performance by the students of Guru Sonali Mohapatra from Nritya Upasana Pitha. Musician Anurag Nanda mesmerised the audience with his flute performance.

The highlight of the evening was the sand art by Sudarshan Patnaik. It was followed by the release of the special cover by the department of post, India. The children's festival will conclude on November 18.

One of the major attractions of the event was Anjali event, Carnival of Love. Thousands of children paraded from the Master Canteen Square to Adivasi Ground, where the festival has been organised. Bands led the parade from Sai International School and Mother's Public School. The parade witnessed blend of various cultures.

Abhishek, an eight-year-old boy, was one of the youngest people who entertained the gathering of children and guests with his drumming skills. Abhishek has done more than 200 shows and even got selected for Britain's Got Talent.

The children, along with their mentors, were indulging in games, food and interesting events at the festival.

The kids were posing for pictures with cardboard cut-outs of their favourite superheroes. "Our objective is provide children a chance to enjoy themselves," said chief coordinator of the festival Sruti Mohapatra.

Workshops on art, craft, dance, music, theatre, magic, clowning, puppetry, storytelling, pantomime, philately and cartooning are the major attractions of the festival "Every child eagerly waits for the festival. The organisers want to make it more exciting for the disabled children," said Partha Sarathi Jena, secretary of Odisha Roller Skate Association.

Children from Nepal and Kashmir were seen dressed in their traditional attire, while others were dressed in the costumes of superheroes such as Superman, Batman, Spiderman, Bahubali.

There was also a magic show on wheels by Sudhansu Das. The Anjali Award for Bravery-2017 was handed over to Meenakshi Mishra. The organisers have come up with a unique theme "Superheroes" to create interest among children.