With music, dance & food, Odias abroad observe Utkal Divas

Bhubaneswar: ‘Bande Utkala Janani' reverberated across the globe this week with Odias living abroad celebrating Utkal Divas to mark the formation of a separate Odisha in 1936.Celebrations were marked by Odissi performances, Odia plays, Sambalpuri dance, savouring of Odia food and sweetmeat, showcasing of state's textiles and handicrafts, and speeches by Odias highlighting different aspects of their homeland.In Johannesburg, South Africa, Utkal Divas was organised for the first time after the Covid-19 pandemic on Sunday. Based on the theme, ‘Matrubhoomi', the function organised by Odia Cultural Association, South Africa, at Shree Radhe Shyam Mandir, Marlboro, Sandton. The event brought together Odias as well as other Indian and South African communities through music, dance, food and folklore.Organisers played videos of Odisha's culture, tourism, growth and development. "Odisha is a beautiful and developing state and we want to tell the world about it," Sanjit Kumar Nayak, association's secretary. Over 300 people attended the function.In Tokyo, Japan, the highlight of the event was a play based on freedom fighter Saheed Baji Rout at the Indian embassy. "Seven Odias rehearsed for over a month on weekends to perform the play. We chose the play because we want to tell the world about the sacrifices made by Odias for the country," said Pratima Behera, president, NPO-Odisha Community Japan.Odisha Society of Americas, Florida chapter, organised the celebrations at Lakeland in which 225 people participated. Odias based in Florida presented Odia songs, Odissi and folk dances, drama and fashion show, all reflecting the traditions and vibrant spirit of Odisha.Guests were treated to dishes like dahi-bada aludam, puri & tarkari, chicken biryani, potala rasa and mangsa along with rasabali, chhenapoda and pithas. "An art and crafts competition using recyclable materials was organised for children," said Sanjit Paikray, one of the members. Utkal Divas was also celebrated in London and Dublin.Bhubaneswar: ‘Bande Utkala Janani' reverberated across the globe this week with Odias living abroad celebrating Utkal Divas to mark the formation of a separate Odisha in 1936.Celebrations were marked by Odissi performances, Odia plays, Sambalpuri dance, savouring of Odia food and sweetmeat, showcasing of state's textiles and handicrafts, and speeches by Odias highlighting different aspects of their homeland.In Johannesburg, South Africa, Utkal Divas was organised for the first time after the Covid-19 pandemic on Sunday. Based on the theme, ‘Matrubhoomi', the function organised by Odia Cultural Association, South Africa, at Shree Radhe Shyam Mandir, Marlboro, Sandton. The event brought together Odias as well as other Indian and South African communities through music, dance, food and folklore.Organisers played videos of Odisha's culture, tourism, growth and development. "Odisha is a beautiful and developing state and we want to tell the world about it," Sanjit Kumar Nayak, association's secretary. Over 300 people attended the function.In Tokyo, Japan, the highlight of the event was a play based on freedom fighter Saheed Baji Rout at the Indian embassy. "Seven Odias rehearsed for over a month on weekends to perform the play. We chose the play because we want to tell the world about the sacrifices made by Odias for the country," said Pratima Behera, president, NPO-Odisha Community Japan.Odisha Society of Americas, Florida chapter, organised the celebrations at Lakeland in which 225 people participated. Odias based in Florida presented Odia songs, Odissi and folk dances, drama and fashion show, all reflecting the traditions and vibrant spirit of Odisha.Guests were treated to dishes like dahi-bada aludam, puri & tarkari, chicken biryani, potala rasa and mangsa along with rasabali, chhenapoda and pithas. "An art and crafts competition using recyclable materials was organised for children," said Sanjit Paikray, one of the members. Utkal Divas was also celebrated in London and Dublin.

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