International Odisha Parba-2021 Showcases State’s Rich Culture & Heritage

New Delhi: Odisha’s rich art, culture, dance, music and heritage was showcased to the Odia diaspora worldwide in the first-ever virtual ‘International Odisha Parba-2021’, organised by Odia Samaj, New Delhi.

The two-day festival concluded on Sunday, starting with a ‘Fusion Chauu Dance’ performance on ‘Pancha Mahabhoota’ by Chandrakanta Sutar’s group.

A short film, based on the historical ‘Paika Bidroh’ mesmerized the global audience with its powerful picturisation.

Odisha’s most ancient tribe presented the ‘Bonda Tribal Dance’, while the ‘All Russia Odia Samaj Moscow’ presented a cultural programme.

Odia Society UK presented a fusion dance to promote local Odia weavers and their various handlooms.

There was a short AV programme on Bajashaal from Kalahandi and an Odissi performance by Bichitrananda Swain’s group on ‘Taal Tarang’.

Rapper Dule Tandi from Kalahandi added spark to the colourful evening with his power-packed show, followed by ‘Adi Dhun’ — a folk musical piece with ancient musical instruments that preserve Odisha’s harmony by Rabiratan Sahu, Sambalpuri Folk Academy, Karma Bargarh.

The festival ended with an enticing musical programme ‘Sura Jhankar’, which was helmed by renowned Odia singers Tapu Mishra, Swayam Padhi, Tariq Aziz and Sohini Mishra. A medley song was also presented by Sujit Kumar of Mumbai Odia Group.

Dinesh Patnaik, Director General, Indian Council for Cultural Relations, appreciated the commendable work being done by Odia Samaj, New Delhi in taking rich Odia culture and heritage to the world.

MP Bhatruhari Mahatab spoke about the important role played by Odisha Parba in last four years in popularizing Odia culture.

Paralympics shuttler Pramod Bhagat shared his struggles and experiences in the ‘Manara Katha’ programme, while Supreme Court Lawyer Sarthak Nayak, Padma Shri Dr Ramakanta Panda and Padma Shri Priyambada Mohanty Hejmadi inspired the audience with their life stories in the talk show.