Canberra/Bhubaneswar: From 'Pipili Chandua' to 'Konark Chakra', Australians have found a unique way to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and tradition of Odisha in their capital city Canberra. Odissi music and melodious ‘Jagannath Bhajans’ echoed in the Australian city during a special event -"Odisha on London."
"Odisha on London", was organized by the local Odia community and OriOz (Odia in Australia) under the 'India in the City', National Multicultural Festival 2018 initiative in Australia.
The event showcased sculptures, arts, handicrafts and heritage from all across Odisha for the first time in the Australian capital city. The event was a display of multifaceted Odia culture before the audience that hails from various parts of the world and settled in Australia.
'Chaturdha Murti' of Lord ‘Jagannath,’ ‘Balabhadra’ and Goddess ‘Subhadra’ along with ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ was also placed on a designed 'Ratna Singhasana' at the event.
"We are proud of our local Odia community who put in their hard work to organize such an event here," said Pravati Panigrahi, vice-president of OriOz.
Visitors were guided through the rich history of Odisha and informed about the hidden treasures of mineral wealth, wildlife and natural beauty. Moreover, the audience also got a chance to experience the delicious cuisine of Odisha, ‘Odissi’ & ‘Sambalpuri’ dance forms and ‘Jagannath Bhajans.’
Members of Shibani Mishra's local Odissi dance academy enthralled the gathering with their Odissi performance during the event.
The National Multicultural Festival is a three-day annual event held in Canberra in February.