Odisha Parba begins with cultural fervour; coastal legacy attracts crowds

By Tapaswini Sahoo

New Delhi, Mar 13: The three-day cultural festival dedicated to the vibrant heritage of Odisha, Odisha Parba 2026, began on Friday at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Organised by Odia Samaj, the festival will continue until 15 March.

The first day of the event was graced by Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who inaugurated the cultural festival and interacted with Odia artists.

“Happy to meet Sambalpuri singer Umakant Barik, his team, and artist friends who have come to New Delhi to participate in ‘Odisha Parba 2026’. Everyone’s contribution towards taking Odisha’s art and culture to the national level is unparalleled. Your performance in the national capital, Delhi, will highlight our art, culture and heritage. My best wishes to all friends,” Pradhan said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Apart from its cultural legacy, culinary diversity has also emerged as a key attraction at the event. Food stalls offering regional cuisines have proven magnetic for city dwellers.

“For me as a food lover, this place is nothing less than heaven. All the veg and non-veg items deserve a try, especially the seafood. They have preserved it well for transport,” said Saket, a visitor.

Adding to the festive spirit, the event features a vibrant lineup of classical, folk and tribal performances, including Chhau, Bagha Nacha and Sambalpuri dance, captivating audiences with Odisha’s dynamic cultural traditions. The festival also includes “Pratibha Utsava,” a talent hunt platform for emerging artists, as well as recreations of traditional festivals such as Raja and Nuakhai, offering visitors a glimpse into Odisha’s living traditions.

Complementing the cultural festivities, a series of seminars titled “Talk Today, Transform Tomorrow” will bring together thought leaders, experts and policymakers to discuss Odisha’s journey toward a self-reliant, progressive and innovative future.

The event will also be graced by other eminent dignitaries, including Smt. Rekha Gupta, Chief Minister of Delhi; Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Tourism and Culture; Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, Governor of Odisha; and Ashish Sood, Delhi Home Minister, along with other distinguished guests.

An Odia Samaj spokesperson said, “Odisha Parba is more than just a festival; it is a celebration of the rich cultural heritage, traditions and collective spirit of Odisha. Through this platform, we aim to bring the colours, flavours and artistic expressions of our state closer to people in the national capital while strengthening the cultural bond among communities. We are delighted to see such enthusiastic participation and invite everyone to experience the beauty of Odisha’s ‘Prakruti & Sanskruti’ over the coming days.”

With the theme “Prakruti & Sanskruti,” Odisha Parba 2026 celebrates the harmonious relationship between nature and culture, which lies at the heart of Odisha’s identity. Over the next three days, the festival aims to create a vibrant space where culture, community and creativity come together to showcase the soul of Odisha in the heart of the capital.