Abu Dhabi: 15th November 2019 witnessed history repeating itself at the Abu Dhabi University Auditorium, as the Odia expat community of Abu Dhabi – ODIA SAMAJ ABU DHABI (OSA) celebrated “Boita Bandana Utsav-2019” for the record third time with pomp and grandeur.
“Boita Bandana Utsav” commemorates the glorious tradition of Odia Sailors, who used to go on sea voyages for trade. The richness of Odia culture has been beautifully reflected through Boita Bandana, which is reminiscent of the glorious history of odia merchants doing business abroad and how Odisha used to be the hub of commercial activities in the Indian subcontinent once.
Odia expats in hundreds from all around UAE had thronged to celebrate the annual event. Such massive participation of the Odia expat community not only sends across the message of unity, bonding and brotherhood amongst them but also highlights their spirit and zeal to preserve the rich and unique culture and heritage of the state. The cheerful gathering of 500+ audience at the event exuberated rich vibes of mutual respect, belongingness and prosperity. The entire atmosphere of the cultural evening had been light up with festive fervor.
The event was graced by luminary figures of various disciplines like Mrs Pooja Vernaker – First Secretary (CA & EC), Embassy of India in UAE as Chief guest, Dr. Abdulrahim Al Hosani – notable UAE personality as Guest of Honour.
Prominent names from the Ollywood industry like famous Odia playback singers Bishnu mohan Kabi, Pragyan Hota and Odia movie comedian Suman Maharana had flocked all the way to enthrall the audience with their spectacular performances and they held the audience in absolute awe. OSA’s in-house talent also complemented the show with their stellar performance which left the entire audience awe-struck. The notable in-house performance like dance drama on “Tapoi”, Odishi dance, fashion show and kids cultural performances captivated each one of the invitees. The joy and excitement of the audience had got into an absolute frenzy and had turned the night to be remembered as one of the most memorable and crazy nights.
The event also screened a documentary on Boita Bandana Utsav in the background. The revered dignitaries Mrs Pooja Vernaker and Dr. Abdulrahim Al Hosani along with OSA president – Mr. Pradeep Kumar Rath, Kamal Panda – General secretary, Pradeep Sahu – Cultural secretary shared their views about OSA and the event.
OSA launched its flagship calendar to mark the “Boita Bandana Utsav” occasion. The theme of the calendar this time was the ‘folk dances of Odisha’, in line with OSA’s objective and efforts to preserve and nurture the rich and unique heritage of the State of Odisha.
OSA’s flamboyant and charismatic President Mr. Pradeep Kumar Rath, was ably supported and guided by Board of Advisors Dr. Himanshu Das, Mr. Ashok Panda in organizing this grand cultural extravaganza. Equally important roles were played by Sidharth Das, Kamal Panda, Pradeep Sahu, Dillip Nayak, Satyabrata Patra, Sandipan Mohanty, Abdur Rauf, Srikanth Mohanty, Sidharth Sabat, Sukarna Behera, Sushovan Das in organizing the event. Besides them, Kartik Singh, Ranjit Dash, Sushanta Mohapatra, Sudanshu Patro, Rabinarayana Dash, Pratik Das, Sougat Nayak, Ashish Patro, Vishnu Ippili, Dhaneswar Tudu, Santosh Tripathy and Balkrushna Bisoyi played key supporting and strategic roles in organizing this historic event.
Odia Samaj Abu Dhabi shall strive to make relentless efforts to spread the rich cultural heritage of Odisha overseas by organizing such events with the help of the expat Odia community residing in Abu Dhabi and seeks the support and love from the people of UAE and all oriyas in UAE to take it to even greater heights.
OSA thanked all those who played a key role in making the event such a historic and momentous chapter in the history of UAE, India and Odisha.
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