The ‘Odisha Parba-2019’, a three day-long mega celebrationof Odisha’s culture, tradition, heritage, ethnic cuisine and handlooms and handicrafts, commenced in the heart of National Capital on Friday at Lawn No-5, India Gate, New Delhi.

Chief Guest of the ceremony was former President of India Pranab Mukherjee. Among others, Rajya Sabha MP Padma Vibhushan Raghunath Mohapatra and the entire fraternity of Odia Samaj were also present.

Inaugurating the event, Mukherjee reminisced the rich maritime trade legacy of Odisha in past. President of Odia Samaj Sidhartha Pradhan said, “This is the 3rd edition of Odisha Parba after the successful two editions held in the National capital of India, New Delhi. People can see glimpses of Odisha's rich cultural legacy in the vibrant festival and mouth-watering street foods from classic cities of Odisha like Cuttack and Brahmapur etc.”

Gananayak Panchakam by Debadhara Group, Mahuria dada, a colourful dance by Bhumia tribes of Odisha, traditional Mukha dance, an Odishi dance titled 'Moksha' and a fusion of Odishi and Bharatnatyam titled

'Tandanu' by Guru Madhumita Raut and troupe held the audience spellbound.

Apart from this Sikari- a primitive tribal dance and Aranya, an animal mask dance added colour and zest to the evening. Smruti Pasara, a live music show specially dedicated to Akshya Mohanty by his son Chitrabhanu Mohanty took people down the memory lane. Eventually glorious sambalpuri songs by prominent Odia singers Pankaj Jal and Aseema Panda notched up the entertainment quotient.