Celebrating Odia language and culture in Bhubaneswar, the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has announced the launch of the Ekamra Utsav, a vibrant festival celebrating the rich tapestry of Odia language and culture.
Scheduled from February 3 to February 9, 2024, the event coincides with the “Biswa Odia Bhasha Sammilani” as planned by the State Government.
This gathering holds special significance as it marks the inaugural World Odia Language Conference, highlighting the State’s dedication to preserving and showcasing its linguistic heritage.
A press conference in this regard was today held in the Convention Centre at Lokseva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar.
The press conference was attended by Mayor of BMC, Sulochana Das, BDA VC, Balwant Singh, Director, Fisheries-cum-Officer on Special Duty, BDA for Ekamra Utsav, Siddique Alam, BMC Commissioner, Vijay Amruta Kulange and Secretary BDA, Kabindra Kumar Sahoo.
BDA VC urged city residents to participate in the festival in large numbers while BMC Mayor sought co-operation from citizens to make this event a grand success.
Comprising three distinct components, the Ekamra Utsav promises a diverse array of experiences.
The main event, Sangitara Murchana will take place at the IDCO Exhibition ground, featuring captivating performances by acclaimed artists from across the nation and region.
This cultural extravaganza will enchant attendees with live music, band performances, and various other forms of performing arts. All the performances will be based on Odia language and culture.
- 3rd February – Smruti Tume Akshay Mohanty Evening
- 4th February – Sangitara Tale Tale Anuradha Paudwal, Suresh Wadkar
- 5th February – Abhula Atita Ananaya Sritam Nanda
- 6th February – Bhasa Hi Bhabisyata Padma Shri Aruna Mohanty, Kuna Tripathy
- 7th February – Basantara Swara Ruturaj Mohapatra & Sona Mohapatra
- 8th February – Murchana Ra Bhinna Eka Sandhya Sonu Nigam
- 9th February – Tume Chanhila Boli Jubin Nautial
In addition to Sangitara Murchana, the festival will include the Food Festival – “AMA BYANJAN,” offering attendees the opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant traditions and flavors of Odisha.
The Food Festival – “AMA BYANJAN” aims to showcase the diverse and flavorful regional cuisine of Odisha.
Besides, a drone show will be held on February 7, 8 and 9 on Odia language, art and culture. As many as 200 drones will be used for this purpose.
In order to promote Odia language, the Madhusudan Marg leading to the venue will also display designs based on Odia language, art and culture.
Ekamra Utsav will honour the profound legacy and ancient roots of the Odia Language through a captivating and all-encompassing exhibition centered on the Odia alphabet.
The exhibition will serve as a vibrant demonstration of Odisha’s diverse and enduring heritage, inviting visitors to explore and appreciate the multifaceted layers of this ancient classical language and the culture it represents.