patna the department of art culture and youth of the state government has added a feather in its cap by winning the skoch award2023 in the silver category for tourism and culture this accolade has been bestowed upon the department for organizing the kinnar mahotsav an annual event dedicated to honouring and celebrating the transgender community on july 14in a ceremony held in new delhi on saturday the departments additional secretary deepak anand accepted the award on behalf of secretary bandana preyashi after receiving the award anand said this moment fills us with immense pride it reflects our unwavering dedication to promoting social inclusivity for the transgender community in the realm of art and culture transcending the barriers of genderthe department of art culture and youth has been organizing the kinnar mahotsav since 2016 consistently striving to ensure the advancement and representation of the transgender community in the artistic and cultural domain the department also included the festival in its 20182019 annual cultural calendar