The ancient ghats of Varanasi witnessed a colourful cultural invasion today as Odisha Parab opened its doors at the Deendayal Hastkala Sankul – Trade Facilitation Centre & Crafts Museum.
For three days, the sacred city of Mahadev will resonate with the rhythms of Odissi, the intricate strokes of Pattachitra, the aroma of Dahibara Aloodum, and the living traditions of the land of Lord Jagannath.
Organised by the Odisha Tourism Department, in association with FICCI, and supported by the Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department, Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts Department, Mission Shakti, ORMAS and OTDC, the festival runs until 24 August 2026.
The exhibition was formally inaugurated by Odisha’s Deputy Chief Ministers K. V. Singh Deo and Pravati Parida. The dignitaries walked through the 32 stalls – 22 dedicated to crafts and 10 to cuisine – interacting with artisans and sampling the flavours of Odisha.
Visitors can watch master craftspersons create magic live: the delicate lines of Pattachitra, the patient engraving on palm leaves, the molten poetry of Dhokra metal casting, and the shimmering filigree of silver. Handlooms, Kotpad textiles, brass and bronze works, and jute products fill the halls with colour and texture. The food stalls, meanwhile, tempt with traditional Odia thalis, soft pithas, sweets, millet-based delicacies and the aromatic Koraput Coffee.
In the evening, the formal inaugural ceremony brought together senior leaders from both states. Keshav Prasad Maurya, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, graced the occasion as Chief Guest, joined by Odisha Dy CM Pravati Parida, UP Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh, Labour Minister Anil Rajbhar, and a host of senior IAS officers from both governments and the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
The spiritual connection between the two states was a recurring theme. Varanasi, the eternal city of Lord Shiva, and Odisha, the abode of Lord Jagannath, share a deep civilisational bond. Odisha Parab celebrates this shared heritage while opening a window to Odisha’s tourism treasures – the golden beaches of Puri, the architectural marvel of Konark, the Buddhist triangle of Ratnagiri-Udayagiri-Lalitgiri, the serene waters of Chilika, and the wild beauty of Bhitarkanika and Similipal.
Cultural evenings will feature the graceful Odissi, the energetic Gotipua, the vibrant Sambalpuri dances and a rich tapestry of folk performances.
More than a festival, Odisha Parab is a whole-of-government showcase of a living cultural ecosystem – where craft becomes livelihood, cuisine becomes storytelling, and every performance becomes an invitation to visit the real Odisha.
The people of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh and travellers from across India are invited to step into this vibrant celebration of faith, culture, cuisine and crafts. Entry is free.
