Varanasi/Bhubaneswar: From intricate Pattachitra and silver filigree to Odissi performances and traditional Odia cuisine, the cultural diversity of Odisha has come alive in Varanasi with the launch of Odisha Parab 2026, a three-day showcase aimed at taking the State’s heritage and tourism offerings to a wider audience.
The festival, which began on Saturday at the Deendayal Hastkala Sankul–Trade Facilitation Centre and Crafts Museum, is being organised by the Odisha Tourism Department in association with FICCI as the industry partner. It will continue till August 24.
The event is being supported by the Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department, Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts Department, Mission Shakti, ORMAS and OTDC.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Odisha Deputy Chief Ministers K V Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, who visited the stalls and interacted with artisans, entrepreneurs and other participants.
With 32 stalls, the exhibition offers visitors a glimpse into Odisha’s traditional craftsmanship and culinary heritage. The craft section features Pattachitra, palm-leaf engraving, Dhokra, silver filigree, handloom, Kotpad textiles, brass and bronze work, jute products and several other handicrafts.
Visitors can also watch artisans demonstrate traditional techniques through live sessions on Pattachitra, palm-leaf engraving, silver filigree and Dhokra, providing an opportunity to understand the skill and craftsmanship behind the products.
The food section brings together popular Odia delicacies, including Pitha, sweets, Dahibara Aloodum, traditional snacks, millet-based products and Koraput Coffee, along with other regional specialities.
The formal inaugural ceremony was attended by Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya as chief guest, along with Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida and senior ministers and public representatives from Uttar Pradesh.
Senior officials from the Union government and both states also participated in the programme.
The choice of Varanasi as the venue has a strong cultural significance, with the festival seeking to build upon the spiritual connection between Kashi, associated with Lord Mahadev, and Odisha, the land of Lord Jagannath.
The event aims to use this shared cultural ethos to strengthen tourism cooperation and promote greater exchange between the people of Odisha and Uttar Pradesh.
Alongside crafts and cuisine, the festival is presenting Odisha’s diverse tourism destinations and experiences.
Visitors can explore information on destinations such as Puri, Konark, Ratnagiri, Udayagiri and Lalitgiri, besides natural and wildlife attractions including Chilika, Bhitarkanika and Similipal.
The showcase also highlights opportunities in eco-tourism, wildlife, adventure and experiential tourism, presenting Odisha as a destination offering a mix of heritage, spirituality, nature and culture.
The inaugural day featured performances representing Odisha’s rich performing arts tradition, including Odissi, Gotipua and Sambalpuri, along with other folk and traditional forms.
The festival brings together tourism, handicrafts, handlooms, cuisine, performing arts and rural enterprises under one platform, highlighting how Odisha’s cultural assets also support livelihoods and entrepreneurship.
With two more days of activities scheduled, visitors will have the opportunity to meet artisans and entrepreneurs, witness traditional craft demonstrations and cultural performances, taste authentic Odia cuisine and learn about tourism experiences across Odisha.
