Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s celebrated cultural heritage, embodied in its unique festivals, faces a gradual shift as external influences begin reshaping local traditions. In response, Odisha Manaska (Odisha on My Mind), an initiative by All Things Odisha, convened its third circle on Saturday (October 26), focusing on “Festivals of Odisha and Unchecked Cultural Imports.” The event gathered cultural influencers and community voices to discuss the growing presence of non-Odia customs in local celebrations and the implications for Odia identity.
Speakers highlighted the rising popularity of Garba and Dandiya during Navaratri and the Bengali-influenced Durga Puja, noting that these customs are increasingly overshadowing traditional Odia festivals like Goshani Jatra—a historic Puri celebration with roots tied to the iconic Shree Jagannath Temple. Pointing to this cultural drift, they called for renewed focus on local traditions that honor Odisha’s agrarian and community-centered heritage.
Identity and Indigenous Influence: A Growing Concern
With nearly 25% of Odisha’s population belonging to 64 distinct tribal communities, these groups contribute a rich array of unique festivals and customs. However, speakers noted that these indigenous celebrations often find little place within mainstream Odia culture, intensifying feelings of cultural disconnection. This concern is particularly acute among Odias who have migrated for work or education, with some sharing experiences of feeling criticized for lacking knowledge of their heritage.
Driven by this disconnect, many Odias are now seeking to reconnect with their roots, valuing cultural knowledge as a way to combat prejudice and affirm their pride in Odia identity.
Affluence and Cultural Shifts
The role of Odisha’s growing affluence also came under discussion. As economic prosperity rises, Odia festivals have grown in scale and often reflect consumer-driven aesthetics. This shift, according to participants, has facilitated the adoption of non-Odia customs, blending traditional and imported celebrations and blurring the lines of cultural authenticity.
Diaspora Challenges: Preserving Odia Heritage Abroad
Odia communities abroad face their own challenges in maintaining cultural heritage. Though they celebrate festivals like Ratha Yatra, Nuakhai, Utkal Divas, Ganesh Puja and Saraswati Puja, these celebrations are largely contained within the diaspora, unlike festivals celebrated by other Indian ethnic groups which often attract broader audiences. Participants voiced the need to make Odia customs more accessible to non-Odias to foster a more inclusive approach to cultural preservation.
Future-Proofing Odia Festivals: Educating the Next Generation
A key theme at the third Circle event was how to adapt Odia culture to future generations. Speakers stressed the importance of cultural education and explored the potential of “repackaging” Odia festivals, blending elements across the state’s diverse regions to create a unified Odia identity that resonates with younger generations.
Gender and Tradition: Evolving Perspectives
The event also addressed the role of gender in traditional festivals, many of which still bear patriarchal overtones that place particular demands on women. Younger participants expressed the need for these traditions to evolve, promoting inclusivity and modern values that resonate with contemporary Odias.
A Collective Path Forward
Throughout Odisha’s history, the state’s resilience against external influences has been symbolized by Lord Jagannath, a symbol of unity for Odias as they navigate cultural shifts. The gathering underscored the importance of cross-generational dialogue to foster respect and preserve Odia festivals.
As the third Odisha Manaska Circle concluded, speakers emphasized that the future of Odia culture depends on a collective commitment to adapt tradition while preserving its essence. By finding this balance, Odisha can cultivate a cultural identity that both honors the past and engages the next generation, ensuring that its heritage continues to thrive.
