Joyful Parenting Takes Center Stage at Odisha’s Kotie Hasa 2026 Festival
Bhubaneswar: In a significant step toward strengthening early childhood development and family engagement, the Department of Women and Child Development, Government of Odisha, organised the state-wide ‘Kotie Hasa – Annual Child Fest 2026’ on Children’s Day.
The initiative focused on promoting joyful parenting, play-based learning, and responsive caregiving for children aged 0-6 years.
The state-level celebration was held at Mainshikhal in Harinagar, Bhubaneswar, bringing together around 700 children and their caregivers.
The festival created an interactive platform where families participated in activities designed to nurture children’s cognitive, emotional, and social development.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Women & Child Development, Pravati Parida, highlighted the importance of creating a loving and supportive environment for young children.
She stressed the role of responsive parenting and encouraged greater involvement of fathers in early childcare and learning activities.
A unique feature of the event was the father-focused do-it-yourself toy-making workshop, where participants learned to create educational toys using locally available and low-cost materials.
Grandparents also contributed through storytelling and lullaby sessions, promoting intergenerational bonding and cultural learning.
Special activity zones were developed to cater to different age groups.
Children aged 0-3 years engaged in sensory learning experiences and caregiving interactions, while those aged 3-6 years participated in foundational literacy and numeracy activities, drawing, music, dance, and creative play sessions.
During the event, Pravati Parida interacted with children, parents, and Anganwadi workers and distributed certificates and educational gift kits aimed at encouraging learning through play at home.
The celebrations were simultaneously conducted across districts and Anganwadi centres throughout the state, reflecting Odisha’s commitment to strengthening Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) and ensuring a nurturing environment for every child.
