Dubai venue turns 'Mini Odisha' as Odias in UAE celebrate Utkal Divas

Bhubaneswar: They might be away from the state for various reasons but it's hard for Odias to forget their rich tradition. Hundreds of Odias came together at the Global Indian International School, Al Barsha, in Dubai to celebrate "Utkal Divas" and travel back to fond memories their home state.

The venue turned into a "Mini-Odisha" as fellow Odias under the Odisha Samaj United Arab Emirates (OSUAE), the largest association of Non Resident Odias in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region came together and organised a glittering ceremony to celebrate the day.

A splendid display of dance, music, handicrafts, fashion and cuisine of the State was showcased in the daylong event. Beginning with invocation of Lord Jagannath-the presiding deity of Odisha, the celebration witnessed several performances comprising  -‘Bande Utkala Janani’ written by Kantakabi Laxmikanta Mohapatra, tribute to legendary Odia bhajan singer – late Arabinda Muduli, Bollywood’s female superstar Sridevi, performance of Odissi dance Legend Padmashri Dr. Ileana Citaristi, solo Odissi dance by Ollywood actress Anubha Sourya to name a few.

The high point of the celebratory evening was the spellbinding performance by the Guru Shishya duo Ileana Citaristi and Saswat Joshi. They presented the 10 incarnations of the Mother Goddess - ‘Dashamahavidya’.

During the event, two prominent Indian classical dance gurus based in Dubai - Guru Nishi Singh and Puja Unni were conferred the  Aekalavya Samman 2018  for Kathak and Bharatnatyam respectively.

The event was organised in collaboration with the Consulate General of India, Dubai and Lasyakala Foundation (a reputed dance institution in Odisha)

The gathering also celebrated the 10th edition of Aekalavya (A Tribute to Guru Shishya Parampara).