Odias living in Indonesia, Bahrain, Australia celebrate Utkal Divas

Time of India

18-05-2025

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Bhubaneswar: Children from Odia families living in Jakarta performed at the Utkal Divas function organised by Indonesia Odia Samaj recently. The event was held at a deferred date to accommodate all working professionals.
The programme started with Shreya Agasti, a Class X student, presenting the history of Odisha's formation. It was followed by dance performances by Shanaya Behera and Angela Dhar, piano recital by Shrehaan Dhar, Vani Thakur chanting 'Vishnu Sahasranama', a fashion show by children and dance presented by women of Odia Samaj and Bengaluru-based danseuse Rajasmita Kar.
"We wanted the children to take the lead role so that they learn about our culture and pass it on to future generations," said Subhashree Tripathy, a core committee member of the samaj.
"The members practised their parts for the last two to three months," she added.
Indian ambassador to Indonesia, Sandeep Chakravorty, was the chief guest at the event. "People from West Bengal, Bihar and Karnataka residing in Indonesia also attended," said Saroj Kumar Mohanty, president of the samaj. The ambassador and other invitees were presented with pattachitra paintings made by Tripathy.
In Bahrain, Utkal Divas was celebrated as Odia Asmita Utsav to promote Odia identity and culture globally. Organised by the
Bahrain Odia Samaj
, it showcased the rich cultural heritage of Odisha.
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The event featured cultural performances,
Odia cuisine
and attire. Dancers from Odisha performed Odissi, Sambalpuri and Ranapa dances. The samaj's mouthpiece, 'Bahrain Utkalika', was unveiled by the guests.
Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik and Guru Saswat Joshi were honoured with the Odia Asmita Samman and Odia Asmita Nritya Kala Samman, respectively. Indian ambassador to Bahrain, Vinod K Jacob, and founder of the samaj, Arun Kumar Praharaj, were present.
Odias living in Australia hosted a three-day biennial Kalinga Utsav at the Point Walters Recreation Centre in Perth. It witnessed the gathering of more than 120 Odias along with their family members from all Australian states. Apart from the cultural programme, Odia cuisine and a cricket match were the other big attractions. The Orioz magazine, 'Smaranika Kalinga Utsav-2025', was released on the occasion.