Dubai: Odisha Samaj United Arab Emirates (OSUAE), the largest association of Non Resident Odias in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region in association with The Consulate General of India, Dubai and Lasyakala is organising Utsav 2018 – Utkal Divas (Odisha Day) Celebrations & the 10th edition of Aekalavya (A Tribute to Guru Shishya Parampara) tomorrow, the 13th of April (Friday), 2018 at Global Indian International School, Al Barsha, Dubai.
A splendid display of the best that Odisha has to offer in terms of dance, music, handicrafts, fashion & food is showcased tomorrow. Hugely talented local Odia children, men and women will lead the celebrations with their performances. They have been practicing for months and we are sure the final display will be spellbinding. Another attraction would the sumptuous Odia delicacies which will be served to all the guests. Odia cuisine is rich and flavourful and is known for its delicate aroma and taste.
This year’s celebrations have acquired a special significance because of 2 things – It is being organised in association with The Consulate General of India in Dubai and Lasyakala Foundation (a reputed dance institution in Odisha).
As a part of the celebrations, Odisha Samaj is also hosting the 10th edition of “Aekalavya”, in collaboration with Lasyakala Foundation, An initiative by Shri Saswat Joshi, Internationally acclaimed Odissi and Sambalpuri Dancer, as a tribute to the ‘Guru-Shishya’ Parampara. Shri Saswat has travelled to Dubai with a 12 member team.
Saswat will kickstart Aekalavya Season 10 with a dance drama based on ‘’Dashavatar’’.One of the major hightlights of this year’s celebrations is the first ever performance of Odissi Legend Padmashri Dr. Ileana Citaristi (Italy born Odissi Dancer) in the Middle East and North Africa Region.
Noted singer and Chief Executive of Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre, Dr. Sangita Gosain will perform some of her best songs. Odia film actress and noted dancer, Ms. Anubha Sourya will also showcase her talent in front of the huge crowd that is scheduled to attend the celebreations. The proceedings will be conducted by Ms. Jagruti Rath who has made a name for herself as singer, dancer and compere and is a well known TV personality too.
Not only Odissi but other Indian classical dance forms will be presented on the same stage. Apart from performances by prominent figures from the Odissi Dance Fraternity, during the event, “Aekalavya Samman 2018” will also be given to two prominent Indian classical dance Gurus in Dubai, Guru Nishi Singh for Kathak & Ms. Puja Unni for Bharat Natyam.
The Chief Guest at the celebrations will be Shri Vipul Honourable Consul General, Consulate General of India, Dubai.
Today, a ‘’Meet the Press’’ program was organised at the Indian Consulate. It was attended by Shri Vipul, Honourable Consul General, Artists from India and members of the Odisha Samaj UAE (OSUAE).
Shri Vipul lauded the efforts of OSUAE and Lasyakala in popularising Odia culture in the UAE. He said he was very pleased to be associated with the Odia Community.
Dr. Ileana Citaristi said that the she was very excited regarding her performance tomorrow. This would be her maiden performance in the MENA Region.
OSUAE Spokespersons lauded the efforts of the Lasyakala Team led by Shri Saswat Joshi in coming over to a far off land for a grand performance.
Tomorrow’s event is expected to be the biggest ever celebrations with an expected crowd of over 750 people.
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