The three-day-long cultural extravaganza Odisha Parba 2023 concluded at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi on Sunday. About one lakh visitors spent their weekend enjoying the traditional Odia ambience and the rich heritage and delectable cuisine from the land of Jagannath.
The closing ceremony was attended by chief guest Chhattisgarh Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan. Odia Samaj president Sidhartha Pradhan delivered the welcomed address and trustee Hiranya Mohanty gave a vote of thanks.
Harichandan said time has come to awaken the identity of Odisha in the mind of the Odia community. Odisha's contributions from the Paika Rebellion to art, culture, history, literature, etc., are unique.
In a message, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw congratulated the festival organisers.
Delhiites were enthralled by the evening’s cultural programme which included Odishi by Guru Saswat Joshi and group titled “Chira Namasya Parampara”; Swarjya Gatha “Ananya Odisha”, a fusion of Chhau and Paika dances performed by Guru Arniruddha and troupe; Mahanadi “Odisha ‘N’ Culture” by Ashwini Patel and group; “Tala Badya by Sandeep Mohanty and group and song “Swara O Spandana” by young singer Ananya Sritam Nanda.
The last leg of the conclave had a topic of discussion ‘Swablambi Odisha’ featuring many eminent personalities like Prof Damodar Acharya.