Bhubaneswar: Odia culture took centre stage in Australia as the diaspora cultural programme ‘Jhilmil Rati’ was successfully organised in Sydney and Melbourne.
For the first time, an event featuring Odia cinema artists was held in both Australian cities, drawing an overwhelming response from the Odia community.
More than 800 Odia families living across Australia participated in the two events, celebrating their roots far from home.
Popular actor couple Sabyasachi Mishra, actress Archita Sahu, renowned singer Susmita Das and social worker Shashi Kumar Sahu attended the programmes. They showcased Odisha’s rich heritage, traditions, music and cultural pride before the diaspora.
Sharing her experience, actress Archita Sahu said, “I have attended events in many places and countries, but this one in Australia felt special. It was wonderful to see the Odia community staying deeply connected to Odisha and keeping its culture alive. Their performances to our songs and their warmth made the celebration truly memorable.”
Actor Sabyasachi Mishra said, “The celebrations were so beautiful that it felt like we were in Odisha, not Sydney or Melbourne. I thank the entire Odia community and ORIOZ for keeping Odia culture alive in Australia. I am also happy to see this growing connection, with plans for Odia films to be released and shot in Australia.”
The evenings were not just about performances. Guests relished traditional Odia cuisine, with community members joining together for an authentic Odia dinner.
The programmes were organised by SJ Event Club in association with Australia-based diaspora organisation Orioz Australia. Organiser Jay Behera said ‘Jhilmil Rati’ was not merely a programme but a celebration of Odisha’s pride and identity, thanking all artists and the Odia community for making the events a grand success and for showcasing Odia identity on the world stage.
