Bhubaneswar: Resource Indica : Roots & Revelations, in collaboration with The Embassy Of The Republic Of Indonesia, Indonesia Tourism & Mayfair Hotels & Resorts is presenting ‘The Pride And Glory Of Bali-yatra’ at Mayfair Lagoon, Bhubaneswar from 29th October to 3rd November 2018.
Bali-yatra, as we all know, is a popular celebration of the glorious maritime history of Odisha, and ancient trading links in Bali, Indonesia.
And Boita Bandana, an annual riverside ritual that is performed by women-folk all over Odisha on the eve of ‘Bali-yatra’, is a symbolic commemoration of a traditional farewell that used to be accorded to the brave sea-farers of yore on the eve of their annual voyage to Bali – the genesis of Indian cultural influence in distant shores across South-east Asia.
The Pride & Glory Of Bali-yatra, an initiative of Resource Indica : Roots & Revelations, is a never-before multi-media project – on this great passage of time and glorious tides – that throws new light on the impact of Odishan tradition and culture that is visible on the face of the land in Indonesia and in the minds and hearts of people in the far away island of Bali, Indonesia.
The project was flagged-off during ‘Bali-yatra’ at Cuttack, Odisha, in November 2013; and this curtain-raiser was presented in association with Odisha State Maritime Museum, INTACH (Indian National Trust For Cultural Heritage) & Indonesia Tourism.
Thereafter, there have been presentations in New Delhi, Kolkata & Bali – in association with ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations), Asiatic Society, INTACH, Embassy Of The Republic Of Indonesia, New Delhi & Indonesia Tourism, Jakarta.
Now the project is being extended to cover ‘The Pride And Glory Of Bali-yatra’ Heritage Tours to Indonesia.
The launch event was held at the Embassy Of Indonesia, New Delhi, in March this year which was followed by the 4-day Kolkata presentation in June.
‘The Pride And Glory Of Bali-yatra’ presentation in Bhubaneswar, like in New Delhi & Kolkata, will include a Pictorial Exhibition, Coffee-table Book & Documentary Film – all of which were put together by writer, photographer and film maker Sudip Sen (Director, Resource Indica : Roots & Revelations) after much research on the subject and many visits to Indonesia to interact with people and shoot there.
‘The Pride And Glory Of Bali-yatra’ is the first of a series of presentations – an initiative of ‘Resource Indica : Roots & Revelations’ – that is driven by the glorious maritime history of India and fuelled by Indian cultural influence across South-East Asia; and one that is titled ‘Rediscovering India International Of Yore’.
•The special press preview, at Orchid Banquet Hall of Mayfair Lagoon earlier today, included unveiling of ‘The Pride And Glory Of Bali-yatra’ Pictorial Exhibition, release of Coffee-table Book, screening of Documentary Film and launch of ‘The Pride And Glory Of Bali-yatra’ Heritage Tours to Indonesia – with live performances by traditional Balinese dancers and Balinese buffet lunch, for which performing-artistes and master chefs from Bali were specially flown in from Indonesia, adding to all the colour and flavour to the presentation.
“I am an Indonesian by birth and nationality and feel privileged to represent my country here in Bhubaneswar, Odisha – a state from where, we believe, much of our heritage and culture came from”, said Mr Komang Mahavira, Deputy Director, Ministry Of Tourism, Indonesia” and I am happy to present this unique project that highlights Indian cultural influence in Indonesia – a name that literally means ‘Indian Islands’ – and will, naturally, interest Indians at large”.
“I am delighted to be here today”, said Ms Ayu Lakshmiadi Janapriati, Director, Bali Tourism Board, “Because ‘The Pride & Glory Of Bali-yatra’ project is a celebration of our shared heritage”.
“I am very proud to represent Odisha here” said Mr Pradipta Mahapatra, Assistant Vice President, Mayfair Hotels & Resorts, “because this is a project about the glorious maritime history and rich heritage of our state and its influence in Indonesia”.
“The Pride And Glory Of Bali-yatra’ is dedicated to rekindle the spirit of adventure and enterprise”, said Sudip Sen, Director, Resource Indica Pvt Ltd, a Kolkata-based communication consultant who was born in Cuttack and brought up in Odisha, “and the objective is to highlight the significance of Bali-yatra and make Indians look at Indonesia with new eyes and see so much of India in a region that used to be known, in colonial times, as East Indies, Les Indes Orientales, or simply, Greater India”.
“The Pride And Glory Of Bali-yatra’ Heritage Tours – organised by Resource Indica : Roots & Revelations – will, therefore, retrace the good old trade routes and offer great new travel experiences”, added Sen.
And what will really make a difference and set these tour packages apart are the exclusive itineraries and many value-additions for the curious traveller.
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