Nuapada: A short play on martyr Pitabasa Majhi stole the show on the first day of Khadial Mahotsav, which started on Monday evening.

The play, presented by the students of Model School of Boden, was a tribute to the martyr and depicted his story of valour and sacrifice. Pitabasa Majhi of Khariar died on September 2016 while fighting the enemies on the border.

The family of Pitabasa Majhi was also honoured during the festival. The other highlight of the evening was an Odissi performance by Pancham of Balangir. Other events of the evening included a Bihu performance by Kalatirtha from Assam, Badhai dance of Madhya Pradesh, Saat Kuanri of Patnagarh, Dhaap of Titilagarh, Dal Khai by Sangeet Samiti of Padampur and Bajasaal of Bhawanipatna.

Earlier, Nuapada district collector Poma Tudu, who graced the occasion, as the chief guest, said that the festival was organised on a massive scale. "It is a great way to showcase your rich culture. This festival offers a platform not only to the artistes of the district, but also to the artistes of other districts and state. It is a perfect balance of art, culture and of course business," she said.