New Delhi, March 13: Delhi witnessed a vibrant beginning of Odisha Parba 2026, which started with much fanfare. Odisha Parba is getting huge response from all corners of the world.

The Parba which started in the year 2017 is bridging the cultural gap. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan attended the ‘Odisha Parba 2026’ organised by Odia Samaj in New Delhi as the chief guest. Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Delhi Government’s Education Minister Ashish Sood were present as guests of honour at the event.

On this auspicious occasion, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that Lord Jagannath is the foundation of Odia identity. He stated that with the blessings of Mahaprabhu Sri Jagannath, Odias have created a distinct identity across the world.

He added that the festival organised in the national capital provides a great opportunity to reaffirm and celebrate the pride and cultural identity of the Odia community.

This year’s festival is even more special as we are celebrating the 600th birth anniversary of Adikavi Sarala Das and the 200th anniversary of Satya Mahima Dharma. At the same time, remembering great national icons such as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Veer Surendra Sai, Maa Ramadevi, and martyr Baji Rout makes this occasion even more meaningful and relevant.

The Odisha Parba platform has today gained a distinct recognition at the national level. From the President of India to the Vice President and the Prime Minister, several distinguished leaders of the country have participated in the event and enhanced the pride of our culture.

Our primary objective is to ensure that the younger generation feels proud of their Odia identity and develops the confidence and determination to promote the Odia language and culture at both national and international levels.

As 2036 will mark the 100th anniversary of the formation of the separate state of Odisha, the coming ten years will be a period of commitment and resolve for us. To realise the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’, all 4.5 crore Odias must come together and take responsibility for building a prosperous and developed Odisha.

Our core objective is that the Odia youth should proudly embrace their language and culture and confidently establish their identity on the global stage.

Union Minister thanked Odia Samaj for organising this wonderful event, which has today grown into a national movement, strengthening the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’. He appealed to the people living in Delhi and all Non-Resident Odia's to visit this festival and experience the unique blend of Odisha’s art, culture and natural beauty,” the minister added.

Read More: Odisha Parba 2026 Opens with Spiritual and Culinary Dialogues

“Odisha has given India a rich cultural tradition, and we take great pride in it. This festival sends a message that we should celebrate and feel proud of our cultural heritage. Such programmes are exemplary and should be organised in other states as well,” said Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

“The tradition of Kalinga is very ancient. Odisha Parba has given the Odia community a new identity in Delhi. The craftsmanship of Sambalpuri textiles and the bravery of heroes like Baji Rout and Buxi Jagabandhu are well known to everyone. The Jagannath Temple is also a symbol of equality,” said Ashish Sood, Delhi Government’s Minister for Home, Power and Education.

The cultural programmes on the first day captivated the audience and left them mesmerised. The performances included “Gatha Odisha” presented by the Odisha Dance Academy led by Padma Shri Guru Aruna Mohanty, a Sambalpuri dance drama titled “Lokakala O Lokajeevan”, and the “Paschim Odisha Swara Sandhya” musical evening performed by Umakant Barik and Shaswat Tripathy, which were thoroughly enjoyed by the attendees.