Bhubaneswar: Christmas celebrations have started in the city with the weekly Patha Utsav observing the event ahead of the big day (December 25), Sunday.
This Sunday, the theme of the street festival was Christmas. Among other regular attractions, a BSF band, young presence of Ollywood cine artists, decorated stage, Santa and Christmas trees were special features Sunday on the streets of Janpath.
Mayor Ananta Narayan Jena said that the decision to continue the street festival proved to be a good step as more than 30,000 people gathered at the festival to celebrate the Christmas before the big day.
State Tourism Minister Ashok Chandra Panda said that the huge response to the three editions of Patha Utsav during 16-day-long .FEST (Bhubaneswar City Festival) shows that the people have patronised the weekly street festival, being held every Sunday, and different themes each week is good way of attracting people to the festival.
Singers of Amakalakar Parivar paid tribute to singer Md Aziz at the Patha Utsav Sunday. Young and happening Ollywood artistes Swaraj, Sanmeera, Aseema and Arpita also joined the weekend celebration in the Temple City. Many dance groups showcased the talent and some were dressed as Santa for the occasion.
Moreover, several people dressed as Santa Claus were seen giving chocolates and gifts to the children. The Patha Utsav aims to promote non-motorised transport and healthy lifestyle, sports, cycling, skating, yoga, Zumba dancing and sheer pleasure of walking along the Janpath, which is one of the busiest roads in the city.
The weekend street fest is organised by BDA in collaboration with Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, Odisha Tourism, Commissionerate Police and Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited. Space popularising Mo Cycle, healthcare tips by AYUSH wing of the state Health and Family Welfare Department and many other organisations took part in popularising concept of better health, life and creativity such as paintings and creating beautiful objects from waste materials at Patha Utsav this Sunday.