Guwahati/Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government’s Tourism Department successfully concluded Odisha Parab 2026 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, marking the culmination of a vibrant three-day cultural and tourism showcase that strengthened cultural ties, diaspora engagement, and tourism and business collaborations between Odisha and the Northeast.
The event was formally inaugurated on January 30, 2026, with a ceremonial procession and the opening of the exhibition pavilion, setting the tone for the celebrations.
The inaugural session was graced by Pravati Parida, Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, as the Chief Guest, along with senior dignitaries from both states and key stakeholders. The inaugural evening featured vibrant cultural performances showcasing Odisha’s classical, folk, and tribal traditions, offering audiences an immersive introduction to the state’s living heritage.
Over the course of the event, Odisha Parab emerged as a comprehensive outreach platform, bringing together culture, heritage, cuisine, tourism promotion, institutional dialogue, and industry engagement, while positioning Odisha as a leading destination for experiential and sustainable tourism.
Day two of Odisha Parab focused on institutional engagement and collaboration through the Odia Diaspora Meet, G2B and B2B meetings, and the Odisha Tourism Roadshow.
The Diaspora Meet was attended by Pravati Parida, Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, Ashok Singhal, Minister of Health & Family Welfare & Irrigation, Government of Assam, along with Balwant Singh, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha, senior officials from both states, and members of the Odia diaspora residing in Assam and the Northeast.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Chief Minister highlighted Odisha Parab as a meaningful platform to reconnect the Odia diaspora with the state’s evolving identity, cultural strength, and expanding tourism opportunities. She emphasized the role of the diaspora as cultural ambassadors in strengthening people-to-people ties between Odisha and Assam.
The Assam Minister appreciated the initiative and underscored the importance of such cultural and tourism exchanges in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between states, particularly across the eastern and northeastern regions of the country.
The Diaspora Meet facilitated open interactions between dignitaries and community members, focusing on cultural preservation, tourism promotion, and collaborative opportunities.
Structured G2B meetings saw strong interest from multiple stakeholders, with investors expressing intent to invest in Odisha, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors, reflecting growing confidence in the state’s business environment, policy framework, and ease-of-doing-business ecosystem.
The B2B meetings brought together tour operators, hospitality players, and tourism stakeholders from Assam and the Northeast with officials from Odisha Tourism to discuss destination promotion, connectivity, and partnership opportunities. The day concluded with the Odisha Tourism Roadshow, led by Balwant Singh, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the department, showcasing Odisha’s diverse tourism offerings and generating strong interest in joint promotions and long-term collaborations.
Throughout the three days, the Odisha Parab Exhibition, Cultural Performances, and Tourism Pavilion attracted substantial public footfall, offering immersive experiences through Odisha’s arts, handicrafts, handlooms, cuisine, and destination showcases.
The cultural evenings captivated audiences with compelling performances representing Odisha’s living traditions, including Ghumura, Paika Akhada, Odissi, Gotipua, Sahijata, Dhemsa, and Jhagedi, reflecting the depth, diversity, and enduring vitality of the state’s cultural heritage.
Odisha Parab, Guwahati, reaffirmed its role as more than a cultural festival, emerging as a strategic platform for tourism outreach, diaspora engagement, institutional dialogue, and business collaboration, while strengthening Odisha’s presence and partnerships in the Northeast.
