Bhopal, August 18: Odisha’s rich art, culture and traditions came alive at a colourful cultural evening organised at Kachral Hall of BHEL Bhopal on the occasion of Independence Day.

Young artistes of the Utkal Cultural Council and women members of the Odia community residing in Bhopal presented a series of traditional dance performances, offering the audience a glimpse of Odisha’s vibrant cultural heritage.

One of the major highlights was a captivating depiction of Lord Jagannath’s Pahandi Bije through dance. The artistes beautifully showcased the grandeur of the ritual through graceful movements and expressive performances. Their presentation, blending traditional Odia culture with artistic expression, won appreciation from the audience.

The performance concluded amid loud applause, with the entire hall reverberating with chants of “Jai Jagannath.”

BHECNIS organises cultural programmes at BHEL Bhopal every year on Independence Day and Republic Day. Various social and cultural organisations participate in these events and showcase the art, culture and traditions of their respective states.

Members of the Utkal Cultural Council, including Cultural Secretary Bishnu Prasad Panda and Kapilendra Mahapatra, said that despite living nearly 1,300 km away from Odisha, their memories of their motherland and the soil of Odisha remain alive in their hearts.

They said the council is making continuous efforts to preserve Odia heritage, art and culture and pass them on to the next generation. The cultural presentation in Bhopal, they added, reflects the deep emotional and cultural connection of the Odia diaspora with their homeland.