Bengaluru: The vibrant cultural and tourism festival, Odisha Parab, has commenced in Bengaluru, offering the city a three-day window into the rich heritage and diverse offerings of the eastern state. The event, running from November 15th to 17th at The Lalit Ashok, is a key initiative by the Government of Odisha’s Department of Tourism, in association with FICCI, aimed at promoting the state’s potential to a national audience.
Smt. Anu Garg, Development Commissioner-cum-ACS, Government of Odisha, extended a warm invitation to all Bangaloreans, sharing the spirit behind the event. She urged attendees to explore the exhibition, which showcases an extensive range of traditional arts, handlooms, and crafts. The festival also features a culinary section where visitors can relish authentic Odia delicacies and millet-based products.
Odisha Parab is designed as an immersive journey, featuring a Craft and Handloom Pavilion with intricate works like silver filigree, Sambalpuri tie and dye sarees, and Pattachitra. The food section offers traditional Odia flavours such as Anna, Dalma, Mahura Ganta, and various sweets. Mesmerizing cultural performances, including Odissi, Gotipua, Chhau, and Sambalpuri dances, reflect the timeless rhythm of Odisha’s artistic soul.
The Development Commissioner-cum-ACS encouraged visitors to not only experience the cultural richness at the event but to eventually travel to Odisha to witness its natural beauty, world-class destinations like the Eco Retreats and Bhitarkanika, and its cultural heartland firsthand. The event also includes interactive tourism showcases and dedicated B2B and G2B meetings to foster business and networking in the tourism and creative industries.
The festival, which has also been held in other major cities, aims to deepen Odisha’s cultural connect with Karnataka and is open to the public from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with free entry for all visitors. The celebration continues through Sunday, November 17th.