Bhubaneswar: The 7th edition of Odisha Parba got off to a colourful start in New Delhi in presence of President Droupadi Murmu, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday.
Showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the state, this year’s Odisha Parba is hosted by Odia Samaj at Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in the national capital on Friday. Several other prominent leaders as well as historians, litterateurs, writers and artists from the state attended the inaugural ceremony of the three-day event.
Speaking on the occasion, President Murmu congratulated the organisers and said the festival will play a significant role in celebrating and spreading Odisha’s rich cultural heritage globally. Over the years, Odisha Parba has ignited a profound sense of pride among Odias, she said.
Stating that Odisha has immensely contributed towards nation building, the President said people of the state are praised across the world for their tolerance, simplicity and rich culture.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the event will go a long way in highlighting Odisha’s art and culture, handicrafts, language and literature, and Odia pride.
While artistes from different parts of Odisha will showcase the district-specific handicrafts, visual arts, dance and songs, the main highlight of the event will be an Odia Conclave where discussions will centre around Odia Asmita, promotion and preservation of state’s culture, art, language and literature. The conclave was started by the organisers last year where many eminent speakers had deliberated on Odia Asmita and various issues of the state.
There is a book lounge managed by National Book Trust of India (NBT) this time, providing a platform to regional writers and publishers to showcase their publications. The event also has a food festival for connoisseurs of Odia cuisine and 25 stalls selling handlooms and handicrafts.
This is the seventh edition of the grand festival being hosted by Odia Samaj which is a platform for Odias living outside the state and country. Organisers said the association of NROs has been striving towards promoting Odisha and its culture, craft and much more at the world stage. The festival will conclude on November 24.