Balasore: Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday pledged the state govt’s support for the social, economic, educational and cultural development of the Kudumi community while attending National Bandana Parab-2026 at Durgapur in Mayurbhanj district.Majhi, who performed Go-Pujan and Hal-Pujan as part of Kudumi traditions, praised the community’s rich cultural heritage, agricultural roots and close bond with nature. Traditional Jhumar performances accompanied by madal beats marked the celebrations.Calling Bandana “a living poem of nature, soil, cattle and human relationships”, Majhi said the Kudumi tradition of respecting trees, hills, rivers and animals offered lessons in harmonious coexistence with nature.He said the community has a significant presence across several states, with Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar among its major centres in Odisha. Recalling his childhood association with Kudumi families, Majhi described Mayurbhanj as his “second home” and highlighted the close ties between the Kudumi and Santhal communities.The CM also referred to the community’s longstanding demands for Scheduled Tribe status and inclusion of the Kudumali language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.Majhi assured govt support for preservation of Kudumi art and culture, farmers’ welfare and livestock development.