Varanasi: Odisha will showcase its rich cultural heritage, tourism potential, handicrafts, handlooms and cuisine at Odisha Parab, to be held at Deendayal Hastkala Sankul, Trade Facilitation Centre and Crafts Museum in Varanasi from August 22 to 24.The event is being organised by the Odisha tourism department in collaboration with the departments of Odia Language, Literature and Culture; Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts; Mission Shakti; and ORMAS.The three-day event will feature Odisha’s classical, folk and tribal traditions, including Odissi, Gotipua, Sambalpuri dance, Paika Akhada, Ghumura, Dhemsa and Ghuduki. The performances will showcase the state’s traditions of music, dance, storytelling, devotion and martial arts.A craft and handloom showcase will feature Odisha’s distinctive textiles, traditional motifs, handicrafts and GI-tagged products. Visitors will also be able to watch master artisans demonstrate traditional techniques and interact with them.Odia cuisine will be another major attraction, with food stalls offering traditional delicacies representing the state’s coastal, tribal and regional food traditions, including Chhena Poda and Rasagola.The event will also promote Odisha as a tourism destination, highlighting its heritage and spiritual sites, beaches, wildlife, nature, ecotourism and community-based travel experiences. Visitors will be introduced to the state’s diverse landscapes and destinations.Besides cultural and tourism promotion, Odisha Parab will provide a platform for strengthening business and investment ties between Odisha and the northern Indian market. Tourism roadshows, a diaspora meet, investors’ meet, B2B engagements and B2G meetings will be organised as part of the programme.The organisers said the event aims to strengthen tourism ties between Odisha and Uttar Pradesh while expanding Odisha’s engagement with the wider northern region.
