Bhubaneswar: As the Odia community celebrated the 89th Odisha Day, on Easter Sunday, at the historic Hing Hay Park in Seattle’s vibrant Chinatown International District came alive with colors, music, and cultural pride.
This significant event marked the 89th anniversary of the formation of the state of Odisha under British rule, based on linguistic identity.
The festivities commenced with a warm welcome from GuruJi Chandrabhanu Satpathy, a revered figure in the Odia community.
Dr. Satpathy, the author of the magnum opus “Shri Guru Bhagavat”, originally penned in Odia, has transcended language barriers by having it translated into sixteen languages, including Mandarin Chinese by the talented Lehman Lei, a renowned Chinese Laureate Poet and Calligrapher based in Greater Seattle.
Mr. Lei, who was among the honored dignitaries, shared his admiration for Odisha’s rich cultural heritage. His eloquent words bridged cultures, emphasizing the universality of art and the power of language to connect people across borders. The Consul General of India (Seattle), Prakash Gupta, and local leaders such as Bellevue City Council member Jared Nieuwenhuis, Burien City Council member Jimmy Matta, Seattle City Council member Tanya Woo, New Castle City Council member Sun Burford, Seattle Police Chief Adrianne Diaz, and King County representative James Bush also graced the occasion.
The cultural performances were nothing short of spectacular. Sarita Mishra and Smita Mohapatra mesmerized the international audience with their dance renditions of “Shri Guru Bhagavat” and “Ahe Nila Shaila”. Their soulful performance resonated with the essence of Odisha, leaving an indelible mark on everyone present.
The grand finale was the Amrit Kaal concert by the visiting Odia sensation, Swayam Padhi. His powerful vocals and emotive melodies transported the audience to the heart of Odisha. The rhythmic beats and lyrical compositions celebrated the spirit of Odia culture, uniting everyone in joy and harmony.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the historic Hing Hay Park echoed with applause, laughter, and a sense of shared pride. The proclamation by King County and the City of Seattle, designating April 1st as Odisha Day, reinforced the importance of preserving our linguistic and cultural heritage.
