Bhubaneswar gears up for a grand Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebration with cultural showcases and high-profile attendees
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Bhubaneswar, scheduled to take place from January 8 to January 10. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has emphasized the event as an opportunity to spotlight Odisha’s rich art, culture, and heritage to a global audience , reported uniindia.com.
A Showcase of Odisha’s Heritage and Global Participation
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is expected to draw approximately 7,000 participants, including guests from India and abroad, with 2,748 attendees already registered. President of Trinidad and Tobago Christine Carla Kangaloo will serve as the chief guest for the event. Alongside Prime Minister Modi, key dignitaries such as External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will also be present.
As part of the inaugural events, Prime Minister Modi will unveil the “Prabhas Bharatiya Express.” Security arrangements include 250 traffic controllers and 140 liaison officers to ensure smooth proceedings. The twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack have undergone extensive cleaning and beautification to welcome visitors.
Events Highlighting Odisha’s Culture
The celebration will include diverse cultural events such as Path Utsav, Ekamra Utsav, and the Adivasi Mela. Chief Minister Majhi has directed the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation and the Housing and Urban Development Department to prioritize sanitation and beautification efforts. Additionally, cultural programs like the Rajarani Sangeet Utsav, Odissi Dance Festival, Mukteswar Dance Festival, and National Dance Festival will showcase Odisha’s artistic legacy, with live broadcasts on Doordarshan.
Guests will also be taken to 31 iconic tourist destinations, including Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, and Konark. A pavilion at Janata Maidan will highlight Odisha’s history and culture through exhibits on Shri Jagannath culture, the Kalinga War, Emperor Ashoka’s transformation, and the historic Baliyatra. A digital exhibition will further enhance the experience for attendees.
Global Media Coverage and Preparations
Over 200 foreign journalists, YouTubers, and bloggers from seven countries are expected to cover the event. Deputy Chief Ministers Kanak Bardhan Singh Deo and Parvathi Parida, along with other senior ministers and officials, are actively overseeing preparations to ensure the success of the event.
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