Once again 'Odisha Parba' will bring alive the socio-cultural ethos of Odisha in the heart of National Capital Region (NCR) from March 9 to 11 at India Gate Lawns. In the 2nd Edition of this grande Parba, Delhiites 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 March 9 at 6 pm in Lawn No. 6, India Gate, where Dipak Mishra, Chief Justice of India will be present as the chief guest. On March 10, Venkaiah Naidu, Vice President of India and on March 11, Rajnath Singh, Minister of Home Affairs shall be the chief guests respectively.
Narrating the objective behind the venture 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 the number of food stalls offering authentic Odia cuisine.
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 second 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 a 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. A sculpture gallery by internationally renowned sculptor, Padma Shree Sudarshan Sahoo shall showcase the intricate stonework 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 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.
Last but not the least, the delicious food from Odisha, including the umpteen sweet delicacies, the street food of Cuttack, Berhampur and western Odisha, the delicious non-vegetarian items, the Odia thali and finally the Odia paan, are going to cause a sensation at India Gate Lawns this time.
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. The event will be open from 4-10 pm on March 9 and from 12-10 pm on March 10, 11. Entry to the event is free.