Bhubaneswar, April 2: People across Odisha came together to celebrate ‘Ama Poshak Ama Parichaya’ (Our Attire, Our Identity) Day on Thursday as part of the ongoing Odia Pakhya celebrations. The event, which focuses on showcasing the state’s rich cultural heritage, saw citizens proudly wearing traditional handloom garments to emphasize Odisha’s vibrant identity.

The fortnight-long Odia Pakhya, organized by the Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture, is being observed from April 1 to April 14. On the second day of the celebrations, large numbers of people from different walks of life participated, donning a variety of traditional handloom garments that reflect Odisha’s artistic legacy.

Government offices, including Lok Seva Bhawan, were a colourful sight as officials turned up in elegant traditional attire to support the initiative. The focus on handloom, a symbol of Odisha's cultural diversity and artistic craftsmanship, was central to the day's festivities.

An official from the Department of Odia Language, Literature, and Culture revealed that discussion sessions on the theme "Handloom and Weaving Industry of Odisha" were held across several districts, highlighting the importance of preserving and promoting the state's handloom traditions.