Bhubaneswar/ Bengaluru, Nov 18: The three-day Odisha Parab 2025, held from November 15 to 17 at The Lalit Ashok in Bengaluru, came to a close today, leaving behind a trail of enthusiasm and positive energy. The festival, which celebrated Odisha’s rich heritage, vibrant art forms, diverse cuisine, exquisite handicrafts, and immersive tourism experiences, received an overwhelming response from Bengaluru's residents, tourists, and the Odia community.
Organized by a collaborative effort between the Odisha Tourism Department, Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department, Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department, Tribal Development Cooperative Corporation of Odisha Limited, Mission Shakti, and Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS), Odisha Parba 2025 successfully showcased the state’s diverse cultural and artistic traditions. Visitors were enthralled by traditional dance and music performances, live craft demonstrations, and curated food counters that introduced them to Odisha’s culinary delights.
The event became a cultural hub, attracting families, tourism enthusiasts, students, travellers, and art lovers, and fostering a deeper connection between the states of Odisha and Karnataka. It also provided an excellent platform for Odisha’s artisans, weavers, and entrepreneurs to display their craftsmanship, interact with buyers, and network with key players in Bengaluru’s tourism and cultural sectors. Exhibitors shared positive feedback, noting the growing interest in Odisha’s unique handicrafts and tourism offerings in the city.
On the final day, a special session took place where Shri Balwant Singh, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Odisha Tourism Department, engaged in one-on-one discussions with potential investors from various sectors, including hospitality, real estate, pharma, and Destination Management Companies (DMCs). The session focused on emerging investment opportunities within Odisha’s expanding tourism ecosystem, setting the stage for future collaborations.
The event also featured an Odisha Tourism Roadshow, bringing together leading tour operators, travel professionals, and hospitality partners from Karnataka. The roadshow highlighted Odisha’s new tourism initiatives, potential destinations, improved infrastructure, and enhanced connectivity. Presentations from senior officials and industry experts were followed by an interactive open forum with local stakeholders, paving the way for strengthened partnerships and future tourism growth between Odisha and Karnataka.
Odisha Parab 2025 generated promising leads for the state's tourism industry, reinforcing Odisha’s position as one of India’s most exciting and rapidly growing destinations. The event not only bolstered Odisha’s presence in South India but also concluded with lasting memories of cultural celebration, creative expression, and community engagement. The enthusiastic response from Bengaluru marked a significant milestone in Odisha’s efforts to expand its cultural and tourism footprint across the country.
