The much-anticipated 7th edition of Odisha Parba 2024 commenced in grandeur on November 22 at the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi, promising a vivid celebration of Odisha’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. The three-day cultural extravaganza, running from November 22 to 24, was inaugurated by the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, in the presence of esteemed dignitaries including Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha; Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Union Minister of Education; and Shri Bhatruhuri Mahtab, Hon’ble Member of Parliament.
In her inaugural address, President Murmu described Odisha Parba as more than just a festival, calling it a global celebration of Odisha’s timeless heritage and resilient spirit. She highlighted the festival’s role in raising awareness about the state’s rich art, literature, dance, music, and cuisine, all rooted in the sacred Jagannath culture. The President emphasized Odisha’s profound message of peace, drawing parallels to the transformative aftermath of the Kalinga War, which turned Emperor Ashoka into “Dharmashoka.” She urged the world to embrace harmony and unity, inspired by Odisha’s Buddhist traditions, and underscored the tolerance and inclusivity of Odia culture.
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan lauded Odisha’s rising global recognition, emphasizing its cultural essence and talent transcending borders. He expressed pride in Odisha’s increasing prominence on the world stage. Meanwhile, CM Mohan Charan Majhi celebrated Odisha’s cultural diversity, resilience, and the traditions like Boita Bandana, while reiterating the state’s commitment to economic development. He shared insights on the Make in Odisha Conclave – Utkarsh Odisha, showcasing Odisha’s progress in industrial development alongside its cultural richness.
The festival opened with a stunning performance of “Tapaswini”, a mesmerizing fusion of Odissi dance and martial arts choreographed by Guru Kabita Mohanty and her disciples. This was followed by “Nrityanjali,” a spirited Sambalpuri dance led by Guru Samaru Meher and his troupe.
The highlight of the evening was the historical children’s play “Biplabi Baajia”, a collaborative masterpiece by Pinkwood Creations and Pace Foundation, which captivated the audience with its storytelling. The rhythmic beats of Ghudka Dhwani, a tribal music performance by Koshal Folk Academy, and a high-energy live performance by Rapper Big Deal added contemporary flair to the traditional festivities. The day concluded with the Rhythms of Odisha, a soulful musical performance by Shri Pankaj Jal and Shri Sashwat Tripathy, which provided a deep dive into Odisha’s melodic heritage.
Odisha Parba is incomplete without its culinary delights and traditional crafts. This year, the festival brought an authentic taste of Odisha to New Delhi, featuring signature delicacies like Pitha-Mitha, Rasagolla, and Khaja. The handloom and handicraft stalls showcased Odisha’s exquisite traditional crafts, offering visitors a chance to experience the state’s artistic brilliance.
The festival aims to promote Odia Asmita (Odia Pride) by reflecting the vibrant cultural, social, and political values of Odisha. With performances by prominent historians, intellectuals, writers, and artists, Odisha Parba 2024 is not just a festival but a platform celebrating the essence of Odisha’s identity on a global stage.
The much-anticipated 7th edition of Odisha Parba 2024 commenced in grandeur on November 22 at the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi, promising a vivid celebration of Odisha’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. The three-day cultural extravaganza, running from November 22 to 24, was inaugurated by the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, in the presence of esteemed dignitaries including Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha; Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Union Minister of Education; and Shri Bhatruhuri Mahtab, Hon’ble Member of Parliament.
In her inaugural address, President Murmu described Odisha Parba as more than just a festival, calling it a global celebration of Odisha’s timeless heritage and resilient spirit. She highlighted the festival’s role in raising awareness about the state’s rich art, literature, dance, music, and cuisine, all rooted in the sacred Jagannath culture. The President emphasized Odisha’s profound message of peace, drawing parallels to the transformative aftermath of the Kalinga War, which turned Emperor Ashoka into “Dharmashoka.” She urged the world to embrace harmony and unity, inspired by Odisha’s Buddhist traditions, and underscored the tolerance and inclusivity of Odia culture.
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan lauded Odisha’s rising global recognition, emphasizing its cultural essence and talent transcending borders. He expressed pride in Odisha’s increasing prominence on the world stage. Meanwhile, CM Mohan Charan Majhi celebrated Odisha’s cultural diversity, resilience, and the traditions like Boita Bandana, while reiterating the state’s commitment to economic development. He shared insights on the Make in Odisha Conclave – Utkarsh Odisha, showcasing Odisha’s progress in industrial development alongside its cultural richness.
The festival opened with a stunning performance of “Tapaswini”, a mesmerizing fusion of Odissi dance and martial arts choreographed by Guru Kabita Mohanty and her disciples. This was followed by “Nrityanjali,” a spirited Sambalpuri dance led by Guru Samaru Meher and his troupe.
The highlight of the evening was the historical children’s play “Biplabi Baajia”, a collaborative masterpiece by Pinkwood Creations and Pace Foundation, which captivated the audience with its storytelling. The rhythmic beats of Ghudka Dhwani, a tribal music performance by Koshal Folk Academy, and a high-energy live performance by Rapper Big Deal added contemporary flair to the traditional festivities. The day concluded with the Rhythms of Odisha, a soulful musical performance by Shri Pankaj Jal and Shri Sashwat Tripathy, which provided a deep dive into Odisha’s melodic heritage.
Odisha Parba is incomplete without its culinary delights and traditional crafts. This year, the festival brought an authentic taste of Odisha to New Delhi, featuring signature delicacies like Pitha-Mitha, Rasagolla, and Khaja. The handloom and handicraft stalls showcased Odisha’s exquisite traditional crafts, offering visitors a chance to experience the state’s artistic brilliance.
The festival aims to promote Odia Asmita (Odia Pride) by reflecting the vibrant cultural, social, and political values of Odisha. With performances by prominent historians, intellectuals, writers, and artists, Odisha Parba 2024 is not just a festival but a platform celebrating the essence of Odisha’s identity on a global stage.
