Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Society of New England (OSNE), a chapter of Odisha Society of Americas (OSA), celebrated Utkal Divas with glamour and grandeur.
The ceremony venue, Oxford Auditorium in Massachusetts, was decked up with colourful cottons, flowers and lights on the occasion. Wearing an elegant look of a mini Odisha, the ambience was agog with festive fervour. Excitement and enthusiasm were clearly visible among the large number of Odias and Odisha lovers who gathered to take part in the cultural jamboori specially organised. The 40th anniversary of OSNE and regional drama festival were also held on the occasion.
The programme started with the recital of national anthem of USA and India followed by Odisha’s state anthem, ‘Bande Utkal Janani’. The meeting was inaugurated with the lighting of ceremonial lamp by the guests including Indian Consul for Community Affairs in New York AK Vijay Krishnan, Chairman of Milan Cultural Association Suresh Sharma, eminent scientist and writer Dr Lakshmi Parida and chief of ISKCON Centre in New England Prabhu Sadananda Das.
In his welcome address, president of OSNE Bishwa Bhusan Sahoo spoke on the contributions of Odisha Society of New England in projecting and proliferating the rich and vibrant cultural heritage of Odisha in North America. Odisha Governor Prof Ganeshi Lal and chairman of World Odisha Society Kishore Dwibedi addressed through video messages.
Others who spoke on the occasion included founding members of OSNE Dr Bijoy and Subarna Misra, Satyabrata &Smt Bijoylaxmi Mishra, Dr Budhinath & Kalyani Padhi and Chandra Sekhar Mohanty. Prominent personalities present included OSA’s New York and New Jersey president Nagesh Rajanala and former president Bijoy Mishra.
Three innovative and high voltage Odia dramas were staged by the troupes from Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Connecticut as part of the regional drama festival. The special attractions of the cultural programmes included Odissi, Ollywood, Rangabati group dance presentations by the children and young members of OSNE.
A fashion show showcased the richness of Odisha’s handlooms and fabrics. The workshop on Odisha Public Library titled ‘Vision-2024’ focused on Odisha’s march towards modernisation of learning systems. A photo exhibition on essence and excellence of Odisha like Pattachitras, tribal art, terracotta art, hand woven textiles enshrining theme on Gitagovinda, filigree works of Cuttack, Pipili’s appliqué works and exuberance of Chilika lake was also organised.
The main attraction of the celebration was the Odia Food Festival displaying Odisha’s traditional delicious food, holding of pitha competition and observing Pakhal and Chhenapoda Divas. The programme concluded with the serving of mouth watering Odia delicacies to the attendees. The entire event was conducted by OSNE’s president and team.
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