New Delhi, Mar 13: Delhi witnessed a vibrant start to Odisha Parba 2026 with the inaugural sessions at the Gyana Mandapa. The festival opened with the theme Asmita to Atmanirbhar Bharat, highlighting Odisha’s spiritual diversity and cultural heritage.

Notably, the grand cultural extravaganza commenced Friday at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here drawing thousands of visitors eager to experience the essence of Odisha’s rich heritage. Organised by Odia Samaj, the festival promises a vibrant showcase of art, music, dance, literature, and cuisine.

The first session - ‘Dharma Odisha’ - explored the state’s rich spiritual traditions. Eminent speakers included Dr. Sanat Sujatananda Das Maharaj, Mahant of Gauranga Math and Jagannath culture researcher; Dr. Raghunath Meher, Mahima Dharma scholar; Dr. Sunil Patnaik, Buddhist researcher; and Pandit Mahesh Sahu, Jagannath culture promoter.

Also Read: Odisha Parba 2026 Kicks Off in Delhi, Highlighting Odia Pride

They discussed how Odisha historically became a confluence of tribal practices, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, fostering pluralism, social harmony, ecological wisdom, and collective identity.

The second session - ‘Swaad Odisha’ - shifted focus to culinary heritage. Scholars and cultural experts examined Odisha’s diverse food traditions - temple offerings, tribal cuisines, and coastal flavours.

The discussion emphasized branding Odisha’s culinary legacy as a cultural and economic asset in the global food industry. Documentation, promotion, and innovative branding strategies were highlighted as key steps to elevate Odia cuisine internationally.

Odisha Parba 2026 continues Saturday with sessions on Nabachetana Odisha, Bhasha Odisha, Handicraft Odisha, and Hospitality Odisha. Each will spotlight different aspects of Odisha’s identity - from language and literature to craftsmanship and tourism - reinforcing the festival’s mission to connect heritage with modern aspirations.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan met Sambalpuri singer Umakant Barik and his team, who are in Delhi for the Odisha Parba 2026. “I was delighted to meet Sambalpuri singer Umakant Barik, his team, and fellow artists who have come to participate in Odisha Parba 2026 in New Delhi,” Pradhan wrote on his ‘X’ handle.

ନୂଆଦିଲ୍ଲୀରେ 'ଓଡ଼ିଶା ପର୍ବ-୨୦୨୬'ରେ ଯୋଗଦେବାକୁ ଆସିଥିବା ସମ୍ବଲପୁରୀ ଗାୟକ ଉମାକାନ୍ତ ବାରିକ, ତାଙ୍କ ଟିମ ତଥା କଳାକାର ବନ୍ଧୁମାନଙ୍କୁ ଭେଟି ଆନନ୍ଦିତ । ଓଡ଼ିଶାର କଳା ଓ ସଂସ୍କୃତିକୁ ଜାତୀୟ ସ୍ତରରେ ପହଞ୍ଚାଇବା ଦିଗରେ ସମସ୍ତଙ୍କର ଅବଦାନ ଅତୁଳନୀୟ । ରାଷ୍ଟ୍ରୀୟ ରାଜଧାନୀ ଦିଲ୍ଲୀରେ ଆପଣ ମାନଙ୍କର ପ୍ରଦର୍ଶନ ଆମର କଳା, ସଂସ୍କୃତି ଓ… pic.twitter.com/eaOfO8gsRt

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) March 13, 2026

“Their contribution in taking Odisha’s art and culture to the national stage is unparalleled. Your performances in the national capital will showcase and highlight our rich art, culture, and heritage. My heartfelt best wishes to all my friends,” he wrote further.