Odia Culture Resonates Across Sydney, Melbourne at ‘Jhilmil Rati’

Bhubaneswar: Thousands of kilometres away from Odisha, the sounds of Odia music, cinema and traditional cuisine brought the diaspora closer to home as ‘Jhilmil Rati’ was held in Sydney and Melbourne, drawing participation from more than 800 Odia families across Australia.

The diaspora cultural programme marked the first time an event featuring Odia cinema artists was organised in both Australian cities, giving the Odia community an opportunity to celebrate its cultural roots and showcase its traditions.

Popular actor couple Sabyasachi Mishra and Archita Sahu, renowned singer Susmita Das and social worker Shashi Kumar Sahu attended the programmes. Through music, performances and interactions with the community, the artistes highlighted Odisha’s heritage, traditions and cultural identity.

Archita Sahu said the experience was particularly memorable because of the strong connection the diaspora continues to maintain with Odisha.

“I have attended events in many places and countries, but this one in Australia felt special. It was wonderful to see the Odia community staying deeply connected to Odisha and keeping its culture alive. Their performances to our songs and their warmth made the celebration truly memorable,” she said.

Sabyasachi Mishra said the celebrations created a strong sense of being back in Odisha.

“The celebrations were so beautiful that it felt like we were in Odisha, not Sydney or Melbourne. I thank the entire Odia community and ORIOZ for keeping Odia culture alive in Australia. I am also happy to see this growing connection, with plans for Odia films to be released and shot in Australia,” he said.

The celebrations also extended beyond stage performances, with members of the community coming together over an authentic Odia dinner featuring traditional cuisine.

Organised by SJ Event Club in association with Australia-based diaspora organisation Orioz Australia, ‘Jhilmil Rati’ brought together members of the Odia community from different parts of Australia.

Organiser Jay Behera said the programme was envisioned as a celebration of Odisha’s cultural pride and identity, while thanking the artistes and community members for their participation.

For the Odia diaspora, the events offered more than an evening of entertainment—it became an occasion to reconnect with a culture that remains an important part of their lives despite the distance from home.