Once again ‘Odisha Parba’ will bring alive the socio-cultural ethos of Odisha in the heart of National Capital Region from 9th to 11th March 2018 at India Gate Lawns. This was announced today in a press meet held here at Press Club of India. In the 2nd Edition of this Parba, denizens from every nook and corner of Delhi NCR will witness the unique culture, heritage, traditions, dance, melody, culinary delights, along with illustrious history and freedom struggle of Odisha under one spectrum.
The inaugural ceremony will be held on 9th March 2018 at 6 pm in Lawn No. 6 at India Gate. Shri Dipak Mishra, Chief Justice of India is the chief guest. On 10th March Shri Venkaiah Naidu Vice President of India and on 11th March Shri Rajnath Singh, Minister of Home Affairs shall be the chief guests respectively.
Narrating the objective behind the venture Shri Sidhartha Pradhan, Retired IRS officer and President of the Odia Samaj said, “Each Odia is a Paika in patriotism, spirit and zeal. Paika Bidroha was the first armed rebellion against the British East India Company in 1804. I maintain my calm within because I must be myself the silent, cultured, peace loving yet the strong willed Odia. My land is the land of convergence, of equanimity and inherent simplicity.” He further added that this year Odisha Parba will cover 50% more area than last year. Apart from this certain other measures have been taken for the benefit of visiting public. Multiple outlets for drinking water shall be installed, besides a three fold increase in number of food stalls offering authentic Odia cuisine.
Along with Shri Sidhartha Pradhan, Shri Hiranya Mohanty, Trustee Odia Samaj, Shri Sandeep Mahapatra, Trustee, Odia Samaj and Shri Charudutta Panigrahi and Shri Debjit Rath, Core members of Odia Samaj were also present in this pre-event press meet.
Spreading over an area of 2 lakh 60 thousand sq. ft, Odisha Parba will showcase the history and culture of Odisha. The entrance gate will be in the shape of ‘Dola Bimana’, which is a common sight in Odisha, during the festival of Holi. Intricate pattachitra designs will add colours to this decorum.
To commemorate the life of brave-hearts who fought daringly against the oppression of British forces in Odisha, this 2nd edition of Odisha Parba shall highlight individuals and incidents which marked the remarkable struggle from 1804-1947. A Grand Stage will be set up with backdrop of Barabati Fort to evoke the glorious past of Odisha. An exhibition, a coffee table book and a multi projection film shall throw light on the rebellions which spread across Odisha in the 19th and 20th centuries.
This edition of Odisha Parba has introduced many new aspects to showcase the rich heritage of the state to Delhiites. A sculpture gallery by internationally renowned sculptor Padma Shree Sudarshan Sahoo shall showcase the intricate stone work which Odisha is so proud of.
An Art Workshop by Odia artists and a painting competition for children below 18 years of age are some other aspects being introduced to the Odisha Parba this time.
A Fashion show woven around the beautiful handlooms and textiles from various parts of Odisha shall be the highlight of the mega event. The show is conceptualised by Shri Sunil Sethi, President, Fashion Design Council of India.
The handicraft and handloom section in the festival, will be the treasure trove of renowned Odishan traditional arts, crafts and textiles. Award winning artisans and weavers from the state shall showcase traditional handloom Sarees, dress materials artefacts and craft products unique to this coastal state.
Dance and music shows encompassing Odissi, traditional folk dance & music, fusion as well contemporary flavours from Odisha shall enthral the audience every day.
Last but not the least , the delicious food from Odisha, including the umpteen sweet delicacies, the street foods of Cuttack, Berhampur and western Odisha, the delicious non-veg items , the Odia thali and finally the Odia paan, are going to cause a sensation at India Gate Lawns this time. Many of these food items will be novelties for the food connoisseurs of the cosmopolitan National Capital.
The entire food court will be designed in a fort style, reflecting the ambience of “Baarah Maasi Tera Parba”, which reflects Odisha’s passion for festivals in one calendar year. Anchor of popular Odia cookery show “Puntu Nana nka Peta Jatra”, the much-loved Puntu Nana shall also be present in the Food Zone to interact with the visitors and spread cheer among them. An exclusive stall shall offer ‘Jagannath Bhog’, as a blessing of the Almighty.
The event will be open from 4 PM to 10 PM on the 9th of March and from 12 PM to 10 PM on 10th and 11th March 2018. Entry to the event is free.