Pipli: In a show of exceptional generosity, three sisters of a Bengali Zamindar family have donated 35 decimals of their prime ancestral land in the appliqué hub here valued at over Rs 3 crore to Pipli Bazaar Panchu Dola Melana Committee. The historic festival of Holi congregation, which was struggling due to lack of dedicated space and was on the verge of being discontinued due to encroachment, has now found a permanent home thanks to this noble gesture by the siblings. The three sisters’ selfless act has been widely applauded by people from all walks of life. The institution had been facing difficulties due to shrinking land availability for over a century now.
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In a remarkable gesture, the three sisters have strengthened the festival’s future by donating 35 decimals of their prime ancestral land, ensuring that this cultural tradition continues for generations. By contributing their valuable property to the festival committee, the three sisters – Rina Pal, Smita Bhattacharya, and Anita Dey, daughters of late Sushil Adhya, – have become a source of inspiration for others. The land was officially transferred to the committee, granting them full ownership rights through a settlement at Pipili Court February 19.
In celebration of this momentous occasion, the committee hosted a grand ceremony to honour the three sisters. Committee president Bamadev Mishra, along with several distinguished guests, presented the sisters with certificates of honour, traditional shawls, and a sacred appliqué of Lord Jagannath as tokens of appreciation. The committee, which is as old as 150 years, had been facing the challenge of losing its traditional Melana ground, which originally belonged to the sisters’ family. Recognising the importance of preserving this cultural heritage, the sisters took the extraordinary step of donating their land for the greater good. The selfless act of these three sisters has ensured that the historic Holi festival is celebrated on its rightful grounds without any hassles, thereby preserving Odisha’s rich art and cultural heritage.
