During the India Day celebrations at Nathan Philips Square in Toronto, Odias residing in the city were treated to a vibrant glimpse of Odisha culture. The highlight was a 53-foot long and 8.5-foot wide tableau showcasing ‘Boita Bandana’, which secured the third prize at the event. The tableau, mounted on a trailer, featured intricate art pieces such as the Jagannath Temple, boats, the Konark wheel, and the symbolic tulsi plant found in every Odia household. Notably, the display also included a prominent photograph of President Droupadi Murmu. The presentation was a collaborative effort between the Odisha Society of Canada and the Canada-Odisha Society of Americans (Canosa). Volunteers dedicated approximately ten days to crafting the tableau, which was constructed using materials like wood, cardboard, canvas, handloom fabrics, acrylic colors, flowers, and the renowned Pipili appliqué work. Four artists—Krishnanda Mohanty, Sunil Das, Suchandra Patra, and Srinivas Rao—contributed their creative talents to the art pieces.

The tableau procession involved around 15 individuals seated on the float, with many others walking alongside it. The project was designed around the theme of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The world is one family), reflecting the joint effort to promote Odia culture. A cultural program featured six Odissi dancers trained by Anupama Saha of Ujjaini Dance Academy, as well as a contemporary dance composition by Dikhya Tripathy, performed by seven Odia dancers. Adding to the celebration was a food stall that gained immense popularity among attendees. The menu, meticulously designed to cater to both Odia tastes and broader Indian preferences, included items like bara-sambar, mutton kasa, and samosas. Subrat Nayak, responsible for preparing the dishes, expressed the success of the stall in satisfying the diverse palate of visitors. The event showcased the dedicated efforts of the Odia community in Toronto to celebrate their cultural heritage and foster a sense of unity through art, dance, and cuisine.