The Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha, successfully concluded Odisha Parab 2026 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, marking the end of a vibrant three-day cultural and tourism showcase.
The event deepened cultural ties, engaged the diaspora, and fostered tourism and business collaborations between Odisha and the Northeast.
The event was formally inaugurated on 30 January 2026 with a ceremonial procession and the opening of the exhibition pavilion, setting the tone for the celebrations. The inaugural session was attended by Pravati Parida, the Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, along with senior dignitaries from both states and key stakeholders. The inaugural evening featured lively cultural performances highlighting Odisha’s classical, folk, and tribal traditions, providing audiences with an immersive introduction to the state’s rich heritage.
Throughout the event, Odisha Parab served as a comprehensive outreach platform, bringing together culture, heritage, cuisine, tourism promotion, institutional dialogue, and industry engagement. It positioned Odisha as a leading destination for experiential and sustainable tourism.
On day two, a significant focus was placed on institutional engagement and collaboration during the Odia Diaspora Meet, as well as G2B and B2B meetings, and the Odisha Tourism Roadshow. The Diaspora Meet was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, Ashok Singhal, Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Irrigation for the Government of Assam, Balwant Singh, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha, senior officials from both states, and members of the Odia diaspora residing in Assam and the Northeast.
In her address, the Deputy Chief Minister highlighted Odisha Parab as a valuable platform to reconnect the Odia diaspora with the state’s evolving identity, cultural heritage, and increased tourism opportunities. She emphasized the role of the diaspora as cultural ambassadors in strengthening people-to-people ties between Odisha and Assam.
The Assam Minister appreciated the initiative, underscoring the importance of such cultural and tourism exchanges in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between the states, particularly in the eastern and northeastern regions of the country. The Diaspora Meet facilitated open interactions between dignitaries and community members, focusing on cultural preservation, tourism promotion, and collaborative opportunities.
Structured G2B meetings garnered strong interest from multiple stakeholders, with investors expressing their intent to invest in Odisha, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors. This reflects growing confidence in the state’s business environment, policy framework, and ease of doing business.
The B2B meetings brought together tour operators, hospitality professionals, and tourism stakeholders from Assam and the Northeast, along with officials from Odisha Tourism. They discussed destination promotion, connectivity, and partnership opportunities. The day concluded with the Odisha Tourism Roadshow, led by Balwant Singh, which showcased Odisha’s diverse tourism offerings and generated significant interest in joint promotions and long-term collaborations.
Throughout the three days, the Odisha Parab Exhibition, cultural performances, and tourism pavilion attracted substantial public attendance, providing immersive experiences through Odisha’s arts, handicrafts, handlooms, cuisine, and destination showcases.
The cultural evenings captivated audiences with compelling performances representing Odisha’s living traditions, including Ghumura, Paika Akhada, Odissi, Gotipua, Sahijata, Dhemsa, and Jhagedi, reflecting the depth, diversity, and enduring vitality of the state’s cultural heritage.
Odisha Parab in Guwahati reaffirmed its role as more than just a cultural festival. It emerged as a strategic platform for tourism outreach, diaspora engagement, institutional dialogue, and business collaboration, while strengthening Odisha’s presence and partnerships in the Northeast.
