For every Odia living in Delhi NCR, Odisha Parba holds a special place. Every year, Odisha Parba brings with it unending excitement, experiences and a home away from home. This year too, Odisha Parba 2023 was held with the same pomp and vigour at New Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium from 24th to 26th March. Odia community from the capital city visited in large numbers and participated in the mega event with unmatched zest and joy.  After two consecutive years of going virtual due to the ongoing pandemic, 2023 brought back the happiness in a grand and colourful way.

Eminent personalities such as His Excellency Shri Biswabhusan Harichandan, Hon’ble Governor of Chhatisgarh, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Education Minister, Shri Anurag Thakur, Hon’ble Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and renowned Odissi dancer Smt. Sonal Mansingh graced the occasion and expressed their delight over how beautifully organized the event was. They expressed happiness over showcasing Odisha’s unique culture to the residents of Delhi, so artistically, through its various art forms, folk dances, music, food and crafts etc.

The three-day event was a great package of cultural fiesta & Odia cuisine. The event began with the spectacular play ‘Ahe Nila Shaila’, taking the audience back to the landmark period when Gajapati King Ramachandra Dev and a Muslim ruler Naib Nazim were in a constant war over Mahaprabhu Lord Jagannath. Gajapati king successfully defeated the Muslim ruler, freeing the Lord from his clutches.

Contemporary Odia artists and singers kept the audience enthralled during this three day extravaganza. The excitement had no limits when young Sambalpuri singing sensation Mantu Chhuria performed. The energetic Sambalpuri songswere a great hit with the audience-both young and old. . Saswat Joshi, a well-known Odissi dancer also left the spectators spellbound with his enthralling performance. Odissi dance by the disciples of Guru Ratikanta Mohapatra sparked thousands of emotions among the viewers.