A group of youngsters perform folk dance during the Carnival of Love procession at the Anjali National Children’s Festival. Picture by Sanjib Mukherjee

Bhubaneswar, Nov. 11: A burst of colours and lively music swept through the city as the 12th Anjali National Children’s Festival got off to a boisterous start here this evening.

The festival brings together children with disabilities and students of mainstream schools, who get together to work on constructive projects.

Today, over 200 children dressed in fancy and bright costumes took part in a procession called “Carnival of Love”.

The little ones danced and cheered all the way from Ram Mandir Square to Adivasi Ground — the campsite for the four-day fest — that has attracted over 1,000 children from various parts of the country.

Camels, horses, stilt walkers and traditional musicians were also part of the parade that featured two tableaux that sent out a “Save trees, save earth” message.

The theme for this year’s Anjali camp is Jungleland, inspired by Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book.

“Mowgli and his animal friends will come alive at the campsite. Students of B.K. College of Art and Crafts have created the entire jungle land with caves, lakes and wild animals.

Special children can also feel and enjoy it despite their disabilities. School kids can come with their parents and enjoy here from 10am to 8pm,” said Anupam, a volunteer of Swabhiman, which organises the festival every year.

There is more fun in store for the participants. Apart from showcasing their creative skills during the cultural programmes every evening, they will also celebrate festivals such as Id, Janmashtami and Christmas. There will also be magic shows and star gazing programmes.

Swabiman CEO and founder of Anjali festival Sruti Mohapatra, who is a well-known disability rights activist, said: “My only dream is to ensure a discrimination-free world where every child is treated equally, with love. We are working towards that dream and need people to support us.”

Chief minister Naveen Patnaik will address the valedictory event.

The festival started in 2001 as Project Anjali to provide a platform to the differently-abled kids to showcase their talents and skills, but gradually turned into an inclusive learning programme.

In 2004, it became a full-fledged children’s festival. Last year, there were participants from abroad as well.