Bhubaneswar: The vibrant tapestry of Odisha’s art, culture, and linguistic diversity unfolded at the Ekamra Utsav, hosted by The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), came to a close on Friday. The final evening, set in the heart of Bhubaneswar, witnessed an enchanting performance by Jubin Nautiyal, leaving the audience captivated by his melodious tunes.
Jubin Nautiyal’s rendition of ‘Chahinla Boli Chaka Akhi’ resonated deeply, emphasizing the profound influence of Jagannath Bhajans in Odisha’s cultural narrative.
The festival, organized alongside the first International Odia Bhasa Sammilani (International Odia Language Conference), was a holistic celebration of Odisha. It featured ‘Ama Byanjana’ food stalls offering authentic Odia cuisine, ‘Sangita Murchana’ events showcasing renowned national and state singers, and a night flea market showcasing authentic craftworks. The Bhubaneswar Kahani Utsav added another layer to the celebration, narrating tales from Odia folklore.
Ekamra Utsav aimed at inclusivity, extending its joy to underprivileged sections of society. Residents of slum areas were welcomed with complimentary passes for the musical nights at the Exhibition Ground. In addition, residents in and around the IDCO exhibition ground and students of Bhima Bhoi Andha Mukha Badhira School were also part of the inclusive festivities.
Balwant Singh, Vice-Chairman of the Bhubaneswar Development Authority, highlighted the festival’s commitment to inclusiveness and equitable representation across diverse demographics, echoing the spirit of celebration for both the festival and the World Odia Conference.
The Ekamra Walks, initiated at the end of January and continuing into March, have been a hit, occurring every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
As the festival concluded, attendees expressed gratitude to the government for revitalizing Bhubaneswar and showcasing the city’s potential globally. Anticipation is already high for next year’s iteration of Ekamra Utsav, emphasizing its role as a unifying celebration of Odisha’s rich heritage for the residents of the city and the state.
The last three days featured a mesmerizing drone show, highlighting the heritage and culture, leaving visitors in awe. Across several evenings, Ekamra Utsav emerged as a beacon of communal harmony, encapsulating the essence of everything Odia and instilling pride not only in the people of the state but also across the globe.