Bhubaneswar, March 7: The Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department will organise Odisha Utsav in Kolkata for the first time in a bid to promote the rich cultural heritage of Odisha beyond the State. The event will be held on March 8 at National Library auditorium in Kolkata.

The festival will be inaugurated by Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj. On the occasion, Odia writers based in West Bengal and various organisations of the Odia diaspora will also be felicitated.

The Odisha Utsav will present a vibrant showcase of Odisha’s folk arts, rich heritage and traditions, traditional cuisine, handloom and handicraft products. Artists from Odisha will perform a range of cultural programmes including Odissi, Sahi Jata, Chhau, Ghumura, Dhemsa, Pashumukha dance and Sambalpuri dance.

Speaking about the festival, Minister Suraj said Odisha is a land of art and culture and promoting its rich cultural heritage to a wider audience is a key objective. Keeping this in view, the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department is organising Odisha Utsav for the first time.

He further stated that the festival will provide an excellent platform for cultural exchange among the Odia diaspora and will help reconnect people with Odia cultural values, traditions and glorious heritage. The event is also expected to play an important role in the wider promotion and dissemination of Odisha’s cultural legacy.