SHOWCASING CULTURE, HERITAGE, AND NATIONAL PRIDE: As Bhubaneswar readies itself for the upcoming celebrations, Odisha looks poised to present an extraordinary spectacle of its traditions, art, and hospitality, making the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas an unforgettable experience for attendees.
Odisha is preparing to host the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas with grandeur, reflecting both the rich cultural heritage and renewed pride of the state. This prestigious event, organized by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Odisha government, will take place in Bhubaneswar from January 8 to 10, 2025, indiatoday.in reported.
With Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating the event and President Droupadi Murmu anticipated for the concluding ceremony, the celebrations promise to draw both national and international delegates, marking Odisha’s elevated role on the cultural map of India.
In a strategic move to spotlight Odia culture, the Odisha government will host three flagship events—the Rajarani Music Festival, Mukteswar Dance Festival, and International Odissi Festival—alongside Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.
Traditionally held between November and January, these cultural showcases are now synchronized with the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrations to captivate a wider audience. This convergence of events in Bhubaneswar aims to draw extensive tourism and media attention, highlighting Odisha’s commitment to its cultural identity.
Notable architect Bimal Patel, known for designing the new Parliament House and Central Vista in Delhi, is expected to lend his expertise to the project, which is slated for completion in three years
To ensure the city is event-ready, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation has launched an extensive beautification project, including revamps of museums, auditoriums, and cultural centers. With an estimated budget of Rs 120 crore, funded equally by the Odisha government and the Ministry of External Affairs, the city is set to undergo a significant transformation.
The current government, led by the BJP, is dedicated to enhancing “Odia asmita,” or Odia identity, as a core aspect of its cultural and political vision. The party’s approach reflects a shift from the prior administration under Naveen Patnaik’s BJD, emphasizing Odia heritage as a key electoral promise. This cultural initiative aligns with the BJP’s broader objective to “put Bhubaneswar on the world map” by nurturing a sense of local pride and attracting global attention.
Further demonstrating its commitment to Odia culture, the government has greenlit the construction of Odia Asmita Bhawan, a sprawling complex envisioned as a “mini-Odisha.” This landmark project, costing approximately Rs 300 crore and spread over five acres in the state capital, will house a museum, interpretation center, library, and various representations of Odisha’s cultural heritage.
In contrast to its focus on this new symbol of Odia identity, the BJP government has decided to discontinue the World Odia Language Conference, an initiative launched by the previous BJD administration. The event, which many saw as an attempt to appeal to Odia pride, will be replaced by the government’s own cultural showcases. This shift underscores the BJP’s broader objective of defining and championing an Odia-centric narrative, fostering a stronger sense of cultural unity and heritage preservation.
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