President Droupadi Murmu watched the Odia film Shri Jagannath Nka Nabakalebara at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre on Friday.
The film portrays the profound and sacred Nabakalebara ritual observed at the Puri Jagannath Temple—a ceremony involving the periodic renewal of Lord Jagannath’s wooden idols along with his siblings, signifying spiritual rebirth.
Directed by Soubhagyalaxmi Jena, the devotional historical film captures the origin, symbolism, and deep cultural relevance of this centuries-old ritual. The screening was attended by the cast, crew, and key members of the creative team, adding personal warmth to the prestigious occasion.
According to a post from the President’s office on social media platform X, the film was praised for its authentic portrayal of Odisha’s spiritual ethos and its role in preserving ritualistic traditions for future generations.
The movie will be publicly released today at 5 PM at Saket DLF Mall, followed by a press conference featuring the director and producer. Audiences and cultural enthusiasts alike are expected to connect with the film’s emotive storytelling and devotion-driven visuals.
President Murmu’s presence at the screening underscores the national recognition of Odisha’s cultural legacy and the growing spotlight on regional cinema that reflects India’s diverse spiritual tapestry.
