Children attend the 10th edition of Anjali International Children’s Festival in Bhubaneswar. Pictures by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, Nov. 9: The 10th Anjali International Children’s Festival was launched today with a carnival in which hundreds of children paraded through the main thoroughfares of the capital donning colourful costumes and fancy accessories.

“The time of this festival is the best time of the year. For me, this time is even better than my birthday,” exclaimed 13-year-old Minati, a student of Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), as she blew a vuvuzela to express her enthusiasm.

“Last year, I had a load of fun at the festival and there was no way I could miss it this time. It is a place where I am allowed to play all day. All my friends are also here,” she said.

Apart from local kids, several groups of differently-abled children and other kids from 17 other states have registered for the camp. “My sister and I decided to skip school just to be here. We are enjoying every bit of this festival and looking forward to make new friends while learning new things,” said nine-year-old Najmus Shakyb, a participant from Jammu and Kashmir, with a glitter on his face.

On the festival ground, a number of traditional artistes, who took part in the parade from across the state, created a jovial atmosphere with a variety of folk dances and music. Excited children were seen dancing on city streets. Police commissioner B.K. Sharma flagged off the “carnival of love” at Ram Mandir Square. It culminated at the Adivasi Ground, the venue for the five-day Anjali camp, which was inaugurated by chief minister Naveen Patnaik later this evening. Arati Ahuja, secretary of women and child development department, and Kasturi Mohapatra, state commissioner for persons with disabilities, also participated at the inaugural event.

Celebrated annually, Anjali is a one-of-a-kind festival, which turns the spotlight on the creative impulse of young minds.

The camp would have a blend of musical and dance performances, engrossing workshops, film screenings, gaming, joy rides, magic shows, sightseeing and other activities to inspire the imagination of children. The theme for this year’s festival is “Tales and Legends”. Major festivals such as Kartik Purnima, Durga Puja, Diwali, Holi and Christmas would be celebrated here over the next five days. The last day of the camp would coincide with Children’s Day celebrations on November 14.

Sruti Mohapatra, chief coordinator of Anjali, said: “The aim of this festival is to eliminate differences between the differently=abled children and other kids. For this carnival, the kids have had their faces painted and are wearing masks, so that people cannot distinguish between a disabled and non-disabled child. Let’s say yes to all children.”