Kuwait: Dance, music and fashion show added glitz and glamour to the Utkala Dibasa celebrations held at Indian Community School, Khaitan, in Kuwait recently.
The event was organised by Kuwait Odisha Association (KOA), registered with Indian Embassy, Kuwait, since 1989.
KOA President Sunil Panigrahi and renowned Industrialist Khalid Hamdan Al-Saif, CEO NAPESCO group, formally inaugurated the event.
Sambalpuri vocalist Rajashree Kumbhar was felicitated on the occasion and a colourful souvenir unveiled.
In his key address, Khalid Al-Saif expressed his gratitude to the entire Indian community, Odias in particular, for their contribution towards building the new Kuwait.
Rajashree Kumbhar enchanted the audience with old and new Odia songs, along with a small tribute to Bollywood’s first female superstar Sridevi.
After the rendition of Odia patriotic song ‘Vande Utkala Janani’, the audience was treated to Sambalpuri dance on popular folk music, ‘Rasarkeli’, ‘Rangabati’ and ‘E Baula’, choreographed by Rashmita Panda.
Little girls expressed their love for Odisha with a dance item ‘Asila Utkala Dibasa’, choreographed by Swagatika Mishra.
The Odiani Fashion Show was the main attraction of the event which showcased the rich Odisha handloom, including designs in Bomkai, Sambalpuri and Pasapalli, in its full glory.
Prizes were also distributed among children for various competitions held earlier.
While Manaswini Goth was the emcee for the event, KOA General Secretary Kamal Lochan Beuria delivered the vote of thanks.