Bhubaneswar: The three-day cultural extravaganza, Odisha Parba 2023 in New Delhi, witnessed a footfall of around one lakh on the last day on Sunday.
The Odisha Parba, organised by Odia Samaj at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, was held after a gap of 3 years due to the COVID pandemic. The festival was held in virtual mode during the restrictions in 2021 and 2022.
The Odia diaspora in the national capital as well as local Delhiites spent their weekend enjoying the traditional Odia ambience, rich heritage of Odisha and its delectable cuisine.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Chhattisgarh Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan said time has come to awaken the identity of Odisha in the mind of the Odia community. “Odisha’s contribution to the country in all fields from Paika War to art, culture, history and literature is unique. The sacrifice of the great hero during Independence struggle has enriched this nation, while the creation of non-Vedic literature has made it stronger and better,” he added.
In his message at the inauguration of the Festival, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the Odisha Festival was started in 2017 on three themes: Culture, Craft and Cuisine. But now the word ‘Community Connect’ has been added to it. The farmers’ community and students from Odisha have got the opportunity to visit Delhi, he added.
During his visit to the festival on the second day, Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Youth Affairs and Sport Anurag Thakur went around different stalls. He was seen savouring “Dahibara Aloodam”, a snack delicacy from Cuttack, and ‘Chhenapoda’ (cheese cake) at food stalls in the festival.
Delhiites were enthralled by the evening’s cultural programmes which included Odissi by Guru Saswat Joshi and group; Swarjya Gatha “Ananya Odisha”- a fusion of Chhau and Paika dance performed by Guru Arniruddha & troupe; Mahanadi “Odisha ‘N’ culture” by Ashwini Kumar Patel & group; “Tala Badya”, a musical performance with multiple musical instruments by Sandeep Mohanty and group and foot tapping and memorable song “Swara O Spandana” by popular singer Ananya Sritam Nanda.
Sidhartha Pradhan, president of Odia Samaj and Hiranya Mohanty, Trustee were present.
