Odisha, Japan forge cultural bonds in Puri's coastal embrace

The vibrant annual Odisha-Japan Festival has once again illuminated Puri town, nurturing the cultural bond between India and Japan. The ceremonial event is being organised every year in the district and this year’s programme concluded on Sunday night.

The pilgrimage city has been witnessing this international festival for the last 20 years.

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Spearheaded by the Indo-Japan Friendship Centre in Puri and the Japan India Club, this year's festivities unfolded at Talabania, demonstrating a rich tapestry of artistic traditions.

Attendees were treated to an array of performances, embodying the essence of cultural fusion through traditional folk dances and music. The festival captivated audiences, drawing them into an atmosphere of joyous enthusiasm and unity.

“This is a festival of peace, harmony, and brotherhood. It is in fact a fascinating moment for us. We are enjoying the event a lot. Both, Odia and Japanese artists are singing songs. A Japanese woman participant sang a song ‘Sayonara Sayonara, Kal Phir Aaungi Sayonara’, which touched me a lot,” a resident from Puri town expressed.

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“It is a festival of Indian and Japanese music. Cultural exchanges between the youths are taking place bolstering the ties among people of the two countries. I love the people here. They are very much friendly,” an artist from Japan stated.

“I performed on a Sambalpuri song number ‘Rangabati’. I also sang a few more Bollywood songs. I am immensely happy that I got such a big platform,” an Odia girl said.