Odisha Parba: Gujarat To Get A Taste Of Odia Culture

Bhubaneswar: After being held for two consecutive years (2017 and 2018) in New Delhi, the mega event, Odisha Parba will now be held in the coastal state of Surat in Gujarat for the first time. It will portray the rich cultural heritage, history and legacy of the Odisha.

New Delhi-based Odia Samaj will organise the two-day colourful celebration at Surat from September 2 at the Surat International Exhibition and Convention Centre (SIECC) in Sarsana of Surat.

“Odisha Parba will showcase a grand spectrum of the beautiful coastal state through its enchanting music and dance, traditional arts and crafts, rich history and heritage and authentic food and cuisine,” informed Odia Samaj president, Sidhartha Pradhan.

“The true essence of Odisha will be presented with a style never seen before. Magnificent shades of Odisha’s colourful celebration will be felt in each and every corner of the handloom and handicraft gallery, food court and a live stage every single day,” he added.

A replica of the ‘Rath’ (chariot) used in the famous Puri RathYatra will be displayed at the entrance gate and intricate appliqué work and Pattachitra designs of Odisha will add more colour to the decoration.

A multi projection film will trace Odisha’s struggle against the British, said Pradhan.

Besides, around 15 stalls in the Handlooms and Handicrafts Haat will showcase various crafts and weaves from all corners of the state.

Odisha’s popular art and crafts including Dhokra, appliqué, silver filigree, Pattachitra, paper machie, wood craft, shell craft, jute items by award winning artisans and weavers will be displayed on the occasion.

Typical Ganjam folk dances like Jodi Sankha, Ranapa, Prahallad Natak, Gahana, Animal mask dance will be the major attractions for the Odia people residing in Surat.

Besides, the famous Berhampur food like papad, achaar, badi, mixture, muduku, jhalmudhi chakuli, dosa will also be available.

The handicraft and handloom section in the festival will be the treasure trove of renowned Odishan traditional arts, crafts and textiles. Award winning artisans and weavers from the state shall showcase traditional handloom sarees, dress material and craft products unique to this coastal state.

Dance and music shows encompassing Odissi, traditional folk dance and music, fusion as well contemporary flavours from Odisha will enthrall the audience every day. Famous performers like stand-up comedy by Kuna Tripathy, live music show by Krishna Beura, Abhijit Majumdar, Babu Panigrahi, Sambalpuri folk dance with live music by Western Odisha Folklore Research Institute, Bargarh, Odia songs by Sushmita Das, contemporary dance by MD Shafiul Hauq, Paika Rebellion dance drama by Durga Prasad Barik and group, Jagannath Mahima dance drama by Gajendra Panda will be the main attractions of the cultural evening.

The people of Surat will also get a taste of delicious food from Odisha, including Pahala Rasagolla, Bikalananda Kar Rasagolla, Salipur, Jagatsinghpur Bara, Allu Chop and Ghuguni, famous Cuttack Dahibara and Odia paan.