Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Samaj, UAE celebrated the 15th edition of Utkal Divas with great enthusiasm and fervour. The event was attended by over 1,000 Odia diaspora living in Dubai and neighbouring countries. Kendrapara MP Baijayant Panda graced the occasion as the chief guest, while Consul General of India Satish Kumar Sivan was the Guest of Honour.
The programme began with Ollywood playback singer Amrita Nayak’s soulful rendition of “Vande Utkal Janani.” Kids mesmerized the audience with their Odissi dance performance, followed by a cultural program by the Odia diaspora. The highlight of the event was the dance performance by the “Bahania” dance troupe of Sambalpur, which showcased the rich cultural heritage of Odisha.
A ramp show featuring models wearing Pattachitra sarees was another attraction of the event. The program also included a special dance performance in memory of Odia superstar Uttam Mohanty. The event concluded with a feast featuring traditional Odia cuisine.
Odisha Samaj, UAE president Amiya Mishra, said that the celebration of Utkal Divas aims to propagate and spread Odia art and culture abroad. He added that this initiative will continue in the future. The event was a grand success, bringing together the Odia community in the UAE and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Odisha.
