Bhubaneswar/Brussels: On 23rd March 2024, the Belgium Odia Association organized its first Utkala Dibasa & Holi celebration in Brussels, the capital of Belgium.
Honourable Deputy Chief of Mission in the Indian Embassy of Belgium Mr Debasish Prusty inaugurated the event by lighting the lamps in the gracious presence of Odias staying in Belgium.
With the true spirit of Utkala Dibasa, the event consisted of a plethora of cultural programs, songs, and dance performances filled with the flavours and fragrances of Odisha. More than 60 Odia families participated in this unique Odia event which marks the first Utkala Dibasa celebration in Belgium.
The cultural program commenced with the recital as well as a dance performance of Odisha’s anthem ‘Bande Utkala Janani’, followed by a performance of Odissi Dance, popular Odia and Sambalpuri songs, and classic Odia Cinema songs. The event saw active participation from kids and elders alike. Kids games, Fashion Show/Ramp walks were also some of the highlights. The event concluded with the celebration of Holi.
Belgium Odia Association was started by a small group of Odia families in 2021 and later expanded with a vision to unite all Odia families in Belgium. The association aims for strong networking among all its members with a vision to celebrate Odia while staying as NRO (Non-Resident Odias) in Belgium.
Eventually, this community aspires to spread the richness of Odia culture to other fellow Indians, Belgians and other expats in Belgium.
