Bhubaneswar/Chandigarh: Utkala Dibasa, also known as Odisha Day, was celebrated with enthusiasm and gaiety at Jagannath temple at Sector 31D in Chandigarh.
Odias from various parts of Punjab and Haryana took part in the celebration organised by Utkal Cultural Trust.
The event was marked by a series of cultural programmes. Children performed Odissi, Sambalpuri folk dance, Kathak and Bharatnatyam on the occasion.
Director of Science and Technology and Renewable Energy cum Chief Conservator of Forests, UT Chandigarh, Debendra Dalai, stressed the importance of promoting Odia language and rich cultural heritage of Odisha. He urged Odias living outside Odisha to encourage their children to use and promote the language.
Padma awardee and Director of Pulmonary Department, Fortis Hospital, Digambar Behera was also present on the occasion.
Notably, Utkal Cultural Trust manages the temple with Dr R K Ratho as its president, assisted by vice president S K Bhuyan and secretary Arun Mallick, a release said.
