The five-day extravaganza of the 15th National Youth Festival (NYF) came to a glittering end Tuesday with fire works, dance performances and brilliant manoeuvres and formation by the Indian Air Force.

The NYF-2010, which started here on January 8, witnessed participation by youths from 22 states, including Orissa.

Competitions were held under 18 categories like folk dance, folk songs, flute play, rock band concert, adventure sports and others.

Altogether 24 youths from across the country were also felicitated at the inaugural function held in presence of the Union Youth and Sports Minister M S Gill and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

Gori, the white crocodile of Bhitarkanika National Park was mascot of the festival brining glory to the wildlife of the country.

During the fest, eminent singers like Usha Uthap, Babul Supriyo and Hans Raaj Hans performed here at the Kalinga Stadium to the amusement and joy of thousands, mostly youths.

The festival attended by about 5000 delegates from 22 states, offered a feast of colourful and delightful programmes.

Crocodile dance, an unique creation by Orissa artists, drew attention of all when a large number of reptiles hit the stage. “The crocodile dance was selected for the show to match the NYF’s mascot-Gori,” said an organiser.