In a significant initiative to promote the rich cultural heritage of Odisha beyond the state, the Odia Language, Literature, and Culture Department will organise the first-ever Odisha Utsav in Kolkata.
The event is scheduled for 8th March at the auditorium of the National Library in Kolkata.
The festival will be inaugurated by Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj. On this occasion, Odia writers residing in West Bengal and various organisations of the Odia diaspora will be honoured.
Odisha Utsav will showcase a vibrant array of Odisha’s folk arts, rich heritage and traditions, traditional cuisine, as well as handloom and handicraft products. Artists from Odisha will perform a variety of cultural programs, including Odissi, Sahi Jata, Chhau, Ghumura, Dhemsa, Pashumukha dance, and Sambalpuri dance.
Speaking about the festival, Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj emphasised that Odisha is a land of art and culture. He stated that promoting its rich cultural heritage to a wider audience is a key objective. To this end, the Odia Language, Literature, and Culture Department is organising the Odisha Utsav for the first time.
The Minister further noted that the festival will provide an excellent platform for cultural exchange among the Odia diaspora and will help reconnect people with Odia cultural values, traditions, and glorious heritage. This event is also expected to play a significant role in the broader promotion and dissemination of Odisha’s cultural legacy.
