Odisha Parab 2026 was inaugurated in Ahmedabad on Saturday, marking the beginning of a vibrant three-day cultural and tourism showcase aimed at promoting Odisha’s rich heritage and strengthening ties with Gujarat.
The event was inaugurated by Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida in the presence of Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Rameshkumar Sanghavi at the Gujarat University Convention & Exhibition Centre.
Three-Day Cultural Extravaganza Begins
Organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha, in association with FICCI as the industry partner, Odisha Parab 2026 is being held from March 21 to March 23.
The event highlights Odisha’s:
- Rich cultural heritage
- Traditional handicrafts and handlooms
- Authentic Odia cuisine
- Diverse tourism offerings
It also aims to strengthen cultural and people-to-people connections between Odisha and Gujarat.
Collaborative Effort by Multiple Departments
The event is being organised with support from several key departments and organisations, including:
- Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department
- Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts Department
- ORMAS
- Mission Shakti
This collaborative effort reflects a unified push to promote Odisha’s identity on a national platform.
Odisha Positioned as an Experiential Destination
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida described Odisha Parab as a flagship outreach initiative to position the state as a unique tourism destination.
She highlighted that Odisha offers a seamless blend of:
- Heritage and spirituality
- Natural beauty
- Rich cuisine
- Modern tourism infrastructure
Gujarat Applauds Cultural Exchange Initiative
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Rameshkumar Sanghavi appreciated Odisha’s initiative, emphasizing the importance of inter-state collaboration in boosting tourism and cultural exchange.
He noted that such events strengthen mutual understanding and deepen ties between the two states.
Exhibitions, Performances, and Tourism Promotion
The three-day event features a wide range of attractions, including:
- Exhibitions of traditional arts, handicrafts, textiles, and handlooms
- Live demonstrations of authentic Odia cuisine
- Classical, folk, and tribal cultural performances
- A dedicated tourism pavilion showcasing key destinations
The event also includes B2B and G2B meetings, along with diaspora interactions, aimed at enhancing tourism partnerships.
Open Invitation to Experience Odisha
Odisha Parab 2026 is open to the public, inviting residents of Ahmedabad to experience the spirit, culture, and traditions of Odisha.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner Banchanidhi Pani, Tourism Commissioner-cum-Secretary Balwant Singh, Tourism Director Deepankar Mohapatra, along with industry leaders, tourism stakeholders, and members of the Odia diaspora.