School students enjoy themselves at Anjali International Children’s Festival in Bhubaneswar. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, Nov. 10: Children moved off the couch and skipped their videogames and sitcoms to go on a fantasy ride at Anjali camp, which began on the Adivasi ground here today. A fairyland castle that appeared to float in the air was the major attraction for the kids at the campsite.

The castle was based on the theme of Arabian Nights. At the entrance, pots full of jewels, coloured stones, beads and an antique lamp recreated the famous tale of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. Figures of Aladdin’s blue genie, princess Jasmine’s palace, the evil witch and dozens of fairies were placed inside and visual effects lent an authentic feeling of being transported to a fantasy world.

The fairyland has been specially created for differently-abled children for whom disabilities will not be any bar. “It makes an impact on all the senses. Though a visually-challenged child cannot see what adorns the castle, but he can touch things, hear sounds or smell the flowers kept inside,” said Anwesha Ambaly, a volunteer of Swabhimaan, which is organising the Anjali International Children’s Festival.

The participants at the camp also celebrated Kartik Purnima today by floating small boats and wearing traditional Oriya costumes. A “festivity centre” was set up where volunteers helped children dress up in Sambalpuri saris in traditional Oriya style. “We are also offering kakara pitha to the participants as part of the Kartik Purnima celebrations. Over the next four days, we will celebrate Durga Puja, Holi, Eid and Christmas at the camp,” said Mrinalini Roy, a volunteer and student of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dhenkanal.

In the evening, there was a cultural programme in which differently-abled children enthralled the audience with their dance and songs. A special performance by Delhi-based group, Ability Unlimited, comprising wheelchair-bound members, was held in the evening at Rabindra Mandap here.

“We are overwhelmed with the response of the participants year after year. Our aim is to ensure a discrimination-free world where every child is treated equally, with love,” said Sruti Mohapatra, chief coordinator of the festival and chief executive officer of Swabhimaan.

The five-day festival was launched with a colourful carnival yesterday in which hundreds of children, including the differently-abled, took part. The camp will end on November 14, which is also Children’s Day. Governor M.C. Bhandare will attend the valedictory function.

Anjali International Children’s Festival first started in 2001 as a forum for differently-abled children to display their talents and skills.

It gradually became an inclusive learning programme following enthusiastic response from students of various mainstream schools. In 2004, it became a full-fledged children’s festival.