Mayurbhanj, Nov 14 (UDN): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has assured the Kudumi community that its demands, including recognition of its language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution and holidays for traditional festivals, would be considered by the state government.
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Majhi gave the assurance during his visit to the National Bandana Parab at Aguada village in Mayurbhanj district on Friday. Thousands of members of the Kudumi community from Odisha and neighbouring states gathered at the event to celebrate their cultural heritage, customs and traditions.
The festival featured traditional Jhumar performances, while food stalls showcased indigenous Kudumi cuisine and traditional pithas. The Chief Minister also visited the stalls, interacted with vendors and enquired about the traditional delicacies on display.
CM Highlights Cultural Heritage and Social Harmony
Addressing the gathering, Majhi highlighted the importance of preserving community traditions and strengthening social bonds through cultural celebrations.
He said the Bandana festival was not only an occasion to celebrate the community’s heritage but also an opportunity to promote brotherhood and harmony among different sections of society.
The Chief Minister also referred to the importance of cow protection, describing it as a significant aspect of the festival. He appreciated the organisers for bringing people together and helping carry forward cultural traditions.
Kudumi Community Raises Long-Pending Demands
The Chief Minister’s visit brought renewed attention to several demands raised by members of the Kudumi community.
Community representatives welcomed his remarks on the demand for inclusion of the Kudumi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. They also expressed hope that the state government would consider declaring holidays for the Bandana and Karam festivals.
Residents said the assurances had raised expectations within the community and expressed gratitude for the Chief Minister’s participation in the programme.
The demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status was also raised by community members, who said they hoped the issue would receive attention in the future.
Three-Day Holiday Sought for Mahanta Festival
Another demand highlighted during the event was a three-day holiday for the Mahanta festival, which is observed over three days.
A community member said that the existing one-day holiday during Deepavali did not adequately cover the duration of the festival and urged the government to consider the demand.
The community also sought suitable holidays for its important cultural observances, particularly Bandana and Karam.
Community Welcomes Chief Minister’s Participation
Members of the Kudumi community described the programme as successful and expressed satisfaction over Majhi’s presence at the celebration.
They said the Chief Minister’s assurances on language recognition and festival holidays were encouraging, while stressing that the community would look forward to concrete action on its long-standing demands.
The National Bandana Parab served as a platform for celebrating Kudumi identity and traditions while bringing the community’s cultural and social demands into focus.
