Odisha Cultural Takes Centre Stage In Singapore

Singapore: Clad in colourful traditional Odia attire, members of Odia Society of Singapore (OSS) presented ‘Rhythms in Unity Sangaman 2018’  at ITE College Central, Tay Eng Soon Convention Centre, on Sunday.

Seven Indian states participated in the event, which was attended by 1100 people.

Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong graced the event as the guest of honour.

Cultural dances, stage performances, Indian buffet, wellness booths, games for children and several fringe activities added glitter to the evening.

“It was a humble attempt by the OSS dance team of six women and four men to present the rich tribal culture of Odisha through a folk dance. Through our dance, we tried to showcase our traditional music, colourful tribal costumes and the happy tribal lifestyle,” said one of the members.

The beautiful performance was put up by Debolina Das, Lagnajit Pattnaik, Lopamudra Behera, Pratyush Hota, Pushpita Pattnaik, Reela Patro,Sujit Kumar Barik, Surya Narayana Das, Swagatika Biswal and Swagatika Mishra, the executive member of Odia society and the lead dancer/choreographer.

Lee visited the Odia booth and was briefed by OSS President Sambit Mishra, exco Soumya Singh, Lima Pattanaik and Sabyasachi Mishra, on the diverse culture of Odisha, rich mining and coastal belt, handicrafts and the temples.

Also showcased there were Pipili’s Chandua (Applique work), Cuttack’s Tara Kasi (Silver Filigree), Tala Patra (Palm-leaf etching) works.