Bhubaneswar, Dec. 28: The five-day International Children's Festival here has thrown up several activities for students who have gathered in the city, including workshops and cultural events.

The festival is being organised by BJEM School in association with the National Youth Project and Antarbharati. Around 500 students from 17 states and nine others from Sri Lanka are participating in the festival this year - it's 16th edition.

One of the highlights of the festival is the pairing of a guest school student with a host school student as part of a cultural exchange exercise. Parents of around 500 BJEM students are accommodating guest students in their homes during the duration of the festival.

"The pairing exercise aims at exchange of cultural values between children of diverse backgrounds. Moreover, the guest students would also feel at home," said BJEM School principal Sandhya Jena.

"I am having a lot fun. My hosts are really adorable and they have taken me around the city," said Pankaj, a student from Rajasthan, who is being hosted by BJEM's Pranab.

The students are also taking part in various workshops, including clay modelling, mask-making, collage work, mehendi art, fancy dress competition, craft and acting, among others. That apart, they are also engaged in a number of interactive games such as ludo, chess, carrom, Chinese checkers, brain vita, hit the target, ball games, ring games and softball.

Chief minister Naveen Patnaik addressed the students at the festival yesterday. Stressing on the effects of climate change on humanity, he said: "We have started realising the recklessness of climate change and it rests on all of us to ensure that it does not affect our health. Say no to discrimination and pollution and impress this on everyone around you."

The festival will conclude tomorrow with the students sharing their experiences and speaking on the topic Mere Sapno Ka Bharat.