Shri Vijay Rupani, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Gujarat inaugurates Two day long Odisha Parba at Surat

Surat: ‘Odisha Parba’, a two day-long colourful celebration of Odisha’s culture, tradition, heritage & cuisine commenced at Surat International Exhibition and Convention Centre (SIECC), Sarsana, Surat today. Odisha Parba is organised by Odia Samaj, New Delhi. Denizens from every nook and corner of Gujarat and nearby towns will witness the unique culture, heritage, tradition, cuisine and various other delights from beautiful coastal state like Odisha till 3rd September 2018 at this Odisha Parba.

Honourable Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Vijay Rupani inaugurated the magnificent celebration of Odisha Parba in august presence of Hon’ble Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Shri Dharmendra Pradhan as Guest of Honour at the mega event. Among others Shri Ishwar Parmar, State Minister, Ganpat Vasava, State Minister, Shri Jagdish Patel, Mayor, Shri Nitin Bhai Bhajiawala, Shri Satish Sharma, Commissioner of Police, Shri Dhaval Patel, Collector, Shri Sidhartha Pradhan President Odia Samaj were graced the occasion.

Honourable Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Vijay Rupani congratulated all odia people on behalf of all Gujarat people for organising such a mega Parba, ‘Odisha Parba’ at Surat. Odisha Parba is the amalgamation of both the culture and tradition of Odisha and Gujarat, said Chief Minister.

Hon’ble Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Shri Dharmendra Pradhan said Surat has become beautiful because of the hard work of Odia people here. Odisha Parba is the festival of emotions of Odisha and Gujarat.

Narrating the objective behind this event, Shri Sidhartha Pradhan, President, Odia Samaj said that, “I feel delighted to see the enthusiasm among the people of Gujarat who have come here to celebrate this magnificent festival Odisha Parba. Through this festival we want to show the people of Gujarat the rich culture and heritage of Odisha. People can now see glimpses of our culture through each and every product including handlooms like Sambalpuri Saree, Kotpad saree, handicrafts like applique, shell craft, pattachitra, coir craft and mouth-watering dishes like Gupchup katki Chaat, Pitha etc. Have a look at all our stalls and enjoy this 2 day event”.

It may be noted here that, the focus of the festival revolves around recreating the legacy of Lord Jagannath in Gujarat. A replica of the ‘Raths’ (chariots) used in the world famous Puri Rath Yatra has been displayed at the entrance gate which is reflecting the intricate applique work and pattachitra designs of Odisha, adding a rainbow of colours to the whole ambience.

Residents of Surat and nearby towns of Gujarat got a great opportunity to witness the unique culture, heritage, tradition, dance, melody & culinary delights of Odisha under one spectrum. On the very first day of this event, people enjoyed a beautiful cultural extravaganza in the rhythmic beats of Odisha’s folk and classical music & dance. Folk music and dances of Odisha, Raas Dandia by Sapta Dhwani Kala Vrunda, Surat, presentation of Bande Utkal Janani by A R Music Academy, Jagannath Mahima (Dance ballet), Re Utkal and Purbodaya (Contemporary dance), Paika Rebellion- a dance drama, Odissi by Odisha dance academy, sambalpuri folk dance, Short film on Indomitable Spirit of Odisha, musical performance by Krishna Beura, Satyajit Pradhan and Pragyan Parasmita Hota encored big rounds of applauses from the audiences.

Live Music Shows by popular Bollywood & Ollywood singers like Abhijit Majumdar, Babu Panigrahi, Sohini Mishra, as a tribute to the two culturally rich states, a specially choreographed fusion item presented showcasing Gujarat’s famous Garba and Odisha’s Odissi dance forms. and many more artists will heighten the entertainment quotient on the 2nd day of this colourful evening.

Surat witnessed some extraordinary performances which will uphold the traditional significance of Odisha– Animal Mask Dance, Jodi Shankha and Ranappa, Putula dance etc besides exotic tribal dances.

The residents of Surat enjoyed authentic Odia cuisine in the form of popular street foods, exotic sweets, pickles and traditional Odia thali from nooks and corners of Odisha. The famous Rasagolla from Pahala near Bhubaneswar and Masala Mudhi from Baripada are adding to the taste to remind one of the aromas of one’s kitchen back home in one’s village.

The event assumes to be a shoppers’ paradise offering world famous Odissi sarees, attractive handloom dress materials, bed sheets, kurtas, lungis, jute products etc. besides offering intricately designed handcrafted silver and dhokra jewellery, Odisha’s famous appliqué work, wood craft products and beautiful paintings using sea shells from the beaches of Puri. The works of award winning artisans and weavers of Odisha are sure to be a grand hit amongst the residents of Surat.

Among others Shri Sidhartha Pradhan, President, Odia Samaja; Shri C R Paatil, Chairman, Reception Committee, Odisha Parba Surat and other eminent dignitaries also witnessed the charm of Odisha Parba at Surat which makes a promise to reunite Odias and give an opportunity to non-Odias to know the rich culture and tradition of Odisha.