Mumbai/Bhubaneswar: “The name of our state Odisha denotes Lord Jagannath and Jagannath epitomises the spirit of Odisha. It’s Lord Jagannath who has imbibed in Odias the lessons of tolerance, fraternity and non-violence” said Jharkhand Governor Droupadi Murmu inaugurating the two-day cultural Mahakumbh ‘Ama Utkarsha Odisha’ Saturday.
The cultural fest started Saturday featuring the art, culture, culinary delights, artistic apparel, fabrics and textiles of Odisha. Being held at Cidco Ground of Navi Mumbai, this mega fair concluded Sunday. The fair was organised by the Odias of Mumbai. The event was inaugurated by Governor of Jharkhand Droupadi Murmu.
Murmu further said that Odias are quite unique in their language, culture, attires and food delicacies. So it’s a matter of pride that the Odias residing in Mumbai have congregated to explore that unique cultural identity through this ‘Mahakumbh’.
She further said, “The Jagannath cult sent its message across the world depicting, peace and brotherhood. It teaches us to aspire for peace and not to monger for war.”
At the outset, the president of Maharashtra Odia Welfare Association and lead organiser of ‘Ama Utkarsha Odisha,’ Bhagaban Panda welcomed the visitors and congratulated the Odia Association and community members for joining the grand conclave of ideas and inspirations.
To mark the occasion, four stalwarts – Rangabati exponent Padmashri Jitendra Haripal, noted film personality Padmashri Shisir Mishra, Nalco CMD Dr Tapan Chand and NRO industrialist Sanjay Das – were honoured with the ‘Pride of Odisha’ award.
On the inaugural day, iconic Odia movies like Shishir Mishra’s ‘Surya Mandir’ on Black Pagoda Konark, Sibu Prusty’s award winning movie ‘Lord of the Universe’; ’Kotpad Weaving’ by Biswaranjan Rath’, ‘Seba Bou’ by Subhash Sahoo and ‘Krantidhara’ by Himanshu Khatua were screened.
The Principal CGM of RBI and lead organiser of ‘Ama Utkarsha Odisha,’ Dr. Rabi Mishra lauded the enthusiasm of Odias in gathering for such a momentous occasion in Mumbai and making it a phenomenal success.