New Delhi: Odisha Parba 2019, a three-day mega celebration in the heart of India’s national capital New Delhi received overwhelming response by the visitors. Many visitors including visitors from various foreign countries relished the authentic taste of Odisha and experienced the essence of rich cultural ethos of Odisha at this event. Lakhs of visitors were thrilled with joy to witness Odisha’s magnificent journey from the ancient maritime era to the illustrious contemporary times and a vision for future of Odisha.
Organized by Odia Samaj, New Delhi Odisha Parba 2019, a celebration of Odisha’s Culture, Tradition, Heritage & Cuisine was inaugurated on 15th March 2019 at India Gate Lawn No-5, New Delhi. In the valedictory ceremony of this event, Smt. Draupadi Murmu, Hon’ble Governor of Jharkhand was the Chief Guest and Dr. Arijit Pasayat, Former Judge, Supreme Court of India, Padma Vibhushan Dr. Sonal Mansingh, MP, Rajya Sabha and Odisha Dance Exponent graced the occasion as Guests of Honourand Odia Samaj President, Shri Sidhartha Pradhan, Trustee Shri Hiranya Mohanty were also present at the occasion.
Speaking on this occasion, Hon’ble Governor of Jharkhand Smt. Draupadi Murmu said “Odisha is a land of marvellous heritage. Odisha Parba is a great endeavour to showcase Odisha’s art, culture, heritage, delicacies to the people. This is a great medium to promote and encourage Odia artisans. I believe, future of Odisha will be as glorious as Odisha’s history.
Shri Sidhartha Pradhan, President Odia Samaja said, “Odisha Parba has become a brand. It has given recognition to Odia people at a national level. In future we are planning to make this endeavour even larger and bigger in size.”
On its final day, Odisha Parba started with a series of enthralling Fusion traditional Mask and Animal Mask dance. Odissi performance by Padma Vibhushan Guru Dr. Sonal Mansingh and Group on the theme ‘Kalinga Ranga’ mesmerized the audience. Live Musical Show by eminent Odia singer Tansen Singh and new sensations Sourin Bhatt & Chelsi Behura attracted the music lovers. Rasarkeli-most enchanting art form of Western Odisha, Acrobatic Martial Art dance, free style dance Aasha Ra Aloka, traditional dance drama in Chhau form on the theme Mahishasura Mardini Maa Durga, Jhumer tribal dance on the theme Jatra Dekha Ke and ollywood dance form Parba Parbani were another attractions on the last day.
One of the main highlights of this three-day extravaganza was authentic Odia food that not only evoked the nostalgia of Odia people but also indulged the sense of the bon-vivant Delhiites. From mouth-watering snacks to lip smacking desserts, from hearty veg-non-veg thali to exotic sea food, people got a huge platter to relish on. Long queues were noticed in peak hours and everyone savored the special Odia food while enjoying the cultural programme on the stage.
One of the handicraft vendors, said, “We got a very good response overall and we have managed to sold a number of our items”. One of the food vendors, said, “We feel so happy that Delhites showed amazing interest in Odia delicacies. We would like to extend our thanks to the organiser for giving us such an opportunity to serve plethora of Odia food items to the people in Delhi.”
The 3rd edition of Odisha Parba 2019 spreading over an area of 2 lakh 60 thousand sq. ft, showcased the vision for future of Odisha. The entrance gate to the event designed in a traditional boat style called Boita was reflecting Odisha’s glorious maritime trade history and depicted sunrise- symbolizing development of Eastern part of India specifically development of Odisha. A grand stage was set up with backdrop of a lotus flower to symbolize the vision of flourishing or blooming Odisha. Replicas of famous Mukteswar Temple of Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Bullock Cart (a traditional mode of transportation), Palki, Tea Pot placed in the theme area reflecting an ambience of rural Odisha gave the visitors an opportunity to click selfie photos with these backdrops. A mini replica of Sandook (A big container box traditionally used by merchants sailing for maritime trade to keep valuables), which is also considered as a traditional treasure of every Odia family was set up and it was decorated with solar lighting system symbolizing the vision for a future of Odisha. A 3D mapping film on the theme of ‘Utkal Uday’ was the highlight of the event.
More than eighty handloom, handicraft, itinerary and food stalls highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Odisha. A large number of visitors flocked to these stalls and took delight in viewing Odisha’s celebrated works of arts and crafts. Particularly women customers along with teenagers were thoroughly enjoying their shopping time in dhokra jewellery stalls, saree, applique and jute product stalls and taking selfies. “The response was very positive” said several handloom and handicraft stall owners who also received appreciations from many visitors and guests for their awesome creations. The ambience was completely festive and definitely an affair to remember for a long time.
Comments are closed.