The Odisha Virtual Academy (OVA) on Thursday inaugurated ‘Parichaya’, a two-day workshop aimed at promoting the Odia language and digitally documenting the state’s rich cultural heritage. The event, held at the CYSD Auditorium in Bhubaneswar, brought together scholars, researchers, and delegates from districts across Odisha.

Delivering the keynote address, renowned linguist and Padma Shri awardee Dr. Debi Prasanna Pattanayak emphasised the need to take Odisha’s culture to the global digital platform. He said authentic and reliable information about Odisha’s historical landmarks, prominent personalities, festivals, traditional cuisine, and cultural heritage should be made available digitally to enhance the state’s global visibility. He also lauded the Odisha Virtual Academy for its efforts to preserve and promote the Odia language in the digital age.

The inaugural session was chaired by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Rout, Secretary of the Odisha Virtual Academy. He highlighted the close relationship between language, culture, and economic development, stating that promoting Odisha’s heritage, traditional attire, cuisine, institutions, and tourist destinations can generate economic opportunities while encouraging greater participation among the younger generation.

The workshop featured four thematic sessions focusing on documenting Odisha’s renowned places, iconic personalities, cultural traditions, festivals, and culinary heritage. Scholars and experts, including Dr. Ajay Kumar Mishra, Dr. Abhiram Biswal, Dr. Shantanu Kumar Rath, Manas Muduli, and Ritu Patnaik, led discussions and shared their insights on preserving and promoting Odia identity through digital platforms.

The valedictory session was addressed by Jagadananda, founder of CYSD, Sabyasachi Hota, General Manager of OCAC, and Dr. Manoranjan Pothal, Managing Director of Odisha Knowledge Corporation. Participants were felicitated with traditional Angavastra in recognition of their contributions.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Smrutiranjan Mishra, Senior Manager of the Odisha Virtual Academy. The workshop was supported by several officials and advisors, including Srinibas Mishra, Dr. D.N. Mohanty, Debanand Bhanja, Sachidananda Panda, Suryaranjan Mohanty, and Surya Mishra.

Odisha Parba 2025 Concludes in Bengaluru, Showcasing Rich Culture and Heritage

OdishaConnect — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 09:35:10 +0000

The three-day Odisha Parba 2025, held from 15th to 17th November at The Lalit Ashok in Bengaluru, concluded today with grandeur. Thousands of participants, including members of the Odia community, tourists, artisans, and culture enthusiasts, attended the festival, celebrating Odisha’s vibrant heritage, arts, cuisine, handicrafts, and tourism.

A Celebration of Odisha’s Culture

The festival highlighted Odisha’s rich cultural traditions and artistic excellence. Visitors were treated to a display of the state’s handicrafts, handlooms, traditional foods, and immersive tourism experiences. Each segment of the exhibition received immense appreciation from attendees, reflecting Odisha’s thriving craftsmanship and cultural identity.

Organized collaboratively by the Tourism Department, Handicrafts & Handloom Division, Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department, Odisha Tribal Development Cooperative Corporation Ltd, Mission Shakti, and Odisha Rural Development & Marketing Society (ORMAS), the event successfully showcased Odisha’s heritage and traditions on a prominent national platform.

Performances and Live Demonstrations

The festival featured a range of cultural activities, beginning with traditional dance and music performances, live craft demonstrations, and curated culinary counters. From tribal art forms and classical traditions to contemporary creative expressions, the event offered a comprehensive cultural experience for families, tourists, students, and art lovers.

The celebrations fostered strong cultural ties between Odisha and Karnataka, creating an interactive and engaging platform for visitors to explore and connect with Odisha’s artistic and traditional legacy.

Platform for Artisans and Entrepreneurs

Odisha Parba also provided artisans, weavers, and entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase their work, gain market visibility, and interact with influential buyers, travelers, and cultural leaders in Bengaluru. Visitors lauded the festival for highlighting Odisha’s craftsmanship and tourism potential, emphasizing the growing interest in Odisha’s cultural and artisanal offerings.

Tourism and Investment Discussions

On the final day, a dedicated session was held where Shri Balwant Singh, Commissioner & Secretary of the Tourism Department, met with potential investors from resorts, farms, real estate, hotels, and destination management companies (DMCs). Discussions focused on emerging opportunities in Odisha’s tourism ecosystem, future collaboration, and investment prospects.

Following this, a tourism roadshow brought together Karnataka’s leading tour operators, travel professionals, travel associations, and hospitality stakeholders. The event showcased Odisha’s latest tourism initiatives, infrastructure, connectivity improvements, and potential investment opportunities. Senior officials and industry experts facilitated interactive sessions with local participants, strengthening cooperation and opening new avenues for tourism growth between Odisha and Karnataka.

A Strong Cultural and Tourism Connect

Odisha Parba 2025 reinforced Odisha’s position as a vibrant and rapidly growing tourist destination. It celebrated the state’s culture, creativity, and traditions while fostering meaningful collaborations between Odisha and southern India. The event concluded on a high note, leaving lasting memories and marking a significant milestone in Odisha’s ongoing efforts to expand its cultural and tourism footprint across the country.

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