Bhubaneswar, Jan. 8: From delicious food and fascinating tribal dance recitals to soaking in Makar revelry, the three-day Mayurbhanj Utsav was a hit.

The annual festival, organised by the Mayurbhanj Cultural Association, celebrates the district's culture and heritage in Bhubaneswar. The association has been conducting the festival with much fanfare since 2011.

The festival concluded at Rashtra Bhasha Prachar Sabha ground here today. It had attracted a large number of visitors who had the opportunity to witness traditional art forms of Mayurbhanj such as jhumur.

The swift movements and rhythmic twirls displayed by the artistes from Mayurbhanj during Chhau performances won appreciation of one and all.

Actors Salil Mitra and Pappu Pom Pom were other attractions at the fest who enthralled audience with their comedy shows. A handicrafts exhibition showcasing some of the local art forms, such as stone carvings, dokra and lacquer art, also drew crowd.

Many dance recitals, portraying the beliefs and traditions of various tribal communities of the district, were also presented. A few students of Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology presented dance recitals praising the district's natural beauty.

Many visitors also relished the traditional Odia snack mudhi mansa, which traces its origin to the Mayurbhanj district, at the fest venue. Around 10 kiosks were set up that served culinary delights right from dala khichdi to ram ruchuka. Special offerings for deities, such as arisha, that are served at the Jagannath temple of Baripada were also available.

"I have been coming to the festival for the past three years. The performances are a visual treat and once can also enjoy the tasty delicacies. The fest offers wholesome enjoyment," said Aishwarya Parija, a 36-year-old homemaker.

Devkund waterfall of Mayurbhanj was beautifully replicated on the backdrop of the stage where the cultural events were held.

In 2012, the backdrop had depicted the palace of the maharaja of Mayurbhanj.

In 2013 and 2014, Barehipani Falls and the Kichakeswari temple of Khiching had been portrayed on it. In 2015, the Sriramchandra Library became the attraction, while the Subhadra Rath was erected as the backdrop to promote women empowerment last year.

The fest also aims to create awareness among people about various scenic and historic places of the district.