Mumbai : “The name of our state Odisha itself denotes Lord Jagannath and Jagannath epitomises the spirit of Odisha. It’s Lord Jagannath only, who has imbibed in Odias the lessons of tolerance, fraternity and non-violence” said Governor of Jharkhand Droupadi Murmu.
This two day long cultural Mahakumbh’ Ama Utkarsha Odisha’ has started since Saturday featuring the art, culture, culinary delights, artistic apparels, fabrics and textiles of Odisha. Held at Cidco Ground of Navi Mumbai, this mega fair will continue up to 24th February 2019. The fair has been organised by the Odias of Mumbai city. The event was inaugurated by Governor of Jharkhand Droupadi Murmu.
The Governor, Jharkhand further said that Odias are quite unique in their language, culture, attires and food delicacies. So it’s a matter of pride that the Odias residing in Mumbai have congregated to explore that unique cultural identity through this ‘Mahakumbh’.
She further said that Jagannath cult had sent its message across the world depicting, peace and brotherhood, Hence it teaches us to aspire for peace and not to monger for war.
At the outset the President of Maharashtra Odia Welfare Association and lead organiser of ‘Ama Utkarsha Odisha’ Bhagaban Panda in his welcome address congratulated all Odia associations and community members to join for such a grand conclave of ideas and inspirations.
To mark the occasion, four stalwarts were honoured with ‘Pride of Odisha’ Award. They are Rangabati exponent Padmashri Jitendra Haripal, Noted film personality Padmashri Shisir Mishra, Nalco CMD Dr Tapan Chand and NRO Industrialist Sanjay Das.
In memory of the martyrs of Pulwama attack silence was observed as a mark of prayer for the departed souls. Also tribute was paid through sand art.
In the inaugural day iconic Odia movies namely Shishir Mishra’s ‘Surya Mandir’ on Black Pagoda Konark, Sibu Prusty’s award winning movie ‘Lord of the Universe’; ’Kotpad Weaving’ by Biswaranjan Rath; ‘Seba Bou’ by Subhash Sahoo and ‘Krantidhara’ by Himanshu Khatua.
On her visit to Mumbai, the Jharkhand Governor Draupadi Murmu visited Jagannath Temple established by Odias at Kharghar Sector Five.
The Principal CGM of RBI and lead organiser of ‘Ama Utkarsha Odisha’ Dr. Rabi Mishra lauded the enthusiasm of Odias in gathering for such a momentous occasion in Mumbai and making it a phenomenal success.
In the cultural segment great performing folk art and folk music of Odisha consisting of Sankirtan, Ghumura of Kalahandi, Paired Conch or ‘Jodi Shankha’ of Ganjam, sand art, classical Odissi dance, Ranapa dance, ’Thia Puchi Naranga’ and Sambalpuri folk dance were the leading attractions in this spectacular event. Around 150 cultural artists from Odisha have been invited from across the state to perform at the event. A ballet on ‘The Great Paika Rebellion’ was staged on the inaugural day.
To commemorate the Odia fraternity in Mumbai and to propagate the Odia tradition of excellence to the people outside of Odisha such a mega celebration like ‘Ama Utkarsha Odisha’ was conceived by the non resident Odias staying at Mumbai.