New Delhi, 27.3.2023: Odisha Parba shines back once again after a gap of three years. New Delhi witnessed the start of Odisha Parba 2023, with joy and excitement. Odisha Parba showcases the rich and diverse culture of Odisha. The grand evening commenced with the great historic play, ‘Ahe Nilashaila’ which beautifully depicted the valour and legacy of Gajapati Maharaj Ramachandra Dev. Odisha Parba is being organised in New Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium for 3 days, from March 24th to 26th.

Hon’ble Union Minister for Education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Union Minister for Law and Justice Shri Kiren Rijiju, Hon’ble Union Minister for Culture, Tourism and Development of North Eastern Region Shri G. Kishan Reddy graced the grand opening of the event. The program was inaugurated with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp with vedic chanting followed by Odisha’s anthem ‘Bande Utkal Janani’. President of Odia Samaj, Shri Sidhartha Pradhan delivered the welcome address.

The excited Delhiites will once again witness Odisha’s unique art, culture, heritage, and tradition and taste its delectable cuisine. Organized by the non-profit, socio-cultural institution, Odia Samaj, New Delhi, this cultural delight has already started to mesmerize the entire Delhi. The highlight of the inaugural function was the stage play ‘Ahe Nila Shaila’ by Choklate Productions. The soulful performance of the artist playing the role of Puri Gajapati won the hearts of the audience. The play shows how Gajapati Ramachandra Dev had to endure difficulties in order to protect the shrine of Mahaprabhu Sri Jagannath from the greed and treachery of the Muslim ruler Naib Nazim. It also shows how he defeated the Muslim ruler with his patience and courage.

The theme for this year’s Odisha Parba is “Ananya Odisha”. The idea is to showcase the strength and composure of Odias that has helped Odisha to emerge as a dominant community in India. Odia Samaj had planned and successfully conducted an Essay Writing Competition in tandem with this year’s theme. Essays were invited from Odia students and the winners of the competition are invited to visit Delhi during the Odisha Parba. Besides students, cross sections of farmers from the rural heartland are also invited to Delhi for a familiarization program.

First time in Odisha Parba, a three-day Odisha Conclave is being organized, from 11 am -1.00 pm daily at the event grounds. The talking point for the Conclave is Odia Asmita(Odisha Identity), Odia Swabhiman (Odisha self-respect) and Odia Swabalamban(Self-reliant Odisha). These discussions will feature some of the most reputed names in the national academic and intellectual spheres.

The first day of the event witnessed an enlightening discussion on Odisha Asmita in the presence of eminent speakers like Dr. Dipti Ranjan Pattanaik, Professor in the English Department, Faculty of Arts, Banaras Hindu University; Shri. Sabyasachi Mohapatra, a 3 times National Award winner and popular film director and producer from Odisha; Prof. K.K. Basa, Chairman of the National Monument Authority and a famous anthropologist and Shri. D B Garnayak, Superintending Archaeologist, Puri Circle. Prof. Gourang Charan Das, a retired Professor from Ravenshaw College was a virtual speaker in the conclave. At the end of the program, Mr. Sandeep Mohapatra, Trustee, Odia Samaj delivered the vote of thanks.

Stalls for street foods from every corner of Odisha have also been set up at Odisha Parba 2023. Be it delicious Dahibara & Chat from Cuttack, or Pahala Rasagolla, several other odia dishes are available for the Delhi people to taste. Sacred Jagannath Mahaprasad from Puri, Nakula Bhuja, a famous dish from Bolangir, Madhu Basanti Bhojan from Balasore, Baba Dhabaleswar Pitha from Jagatsighpur, Chatpati Masala chai from Ravi tea stall will be a wonderful delight for people’s taste buds. Apart from these amazing dishes and refreshing beverages we also have popular catering food stalls like Ama Odisha from Bhadrak, Jara Chakhlo & Keshab Caterer from Baripada, Toshali Foundation of Odisha, Madhav sweets and Sarala Byanjan will give the people an unforgettable food experience.

Odisha Parba 2023 has also got a lot to offer to the art and crafts lovers residing in Delhi. Around 15 stalls have been set up to showcase the exquisite handicrafts and handlooms from Odisha. Beautiful handicrafts from different districts of the state, such as Silver Filigree from Cuttack, artistic Pattachitra paintings, several amazing jute products, beautiful wood crafts from Maa Mangala Handicrafts, breathtaking brass products from Nilamadhaba Handicrafts, appliqué works from Applique handicrafts are attracting all the avid shoppers.

Apart from handicrafts, Odisha’s unique handlooms are also available for handloom lovers of Delhi. Elegant Odissi handlooms from Boyanika, Sonepuri sarees from Sonepuri Handlooms, Khurda Lungi and Gamchha from Taraboi WPG, classy cotton sarees from Shubhashree Handlooms, Tassar, and Silk Handlooms from Sambhav and gorgeous Silver Jewellery, including ethnic Odissi fabrics and readymade garments from Samuka, are the highlights of the event.