Varanasi: The cultural vibrancy of Odisha has come alive in the city of Lord Shiv with ‘Odisha Parab’ celebrations at Deendayal Hastkala Sankul in Varanasi.The three-day festival, which began on Saturday, has emerged as a platform bringing together the rich cultural traditions, cuisine, handicrafts and tourism potential of Uttar Pradesh and Odisha.Addressing the event, Uttar Pradesh Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said Odisha Parab is not merely a cultural festival, but the beginning of a new chapter in tourism cooperation between the two states. Inviting the Odisha govt to explore tourism development opportunities in Uttar Pradesh, he said that if land is required for tourism projects in the state in the future, the UP govt will extend all possible support.The minister said that UP’s spirituality, heritage, folk culture and cuisine, along with Odisha’s maritime legacy, nature, temples, tribal culture, handicrafts and handlooms, complement each other. Both the states can jointly take forward new tourism circuits, promotional campaigns, travel trade meets and B2B engagements.Singh said the effort should be to introduce tourists visiting UP to Odisha’s tourism destinations, and tourists visiting Odisha to UP’s spiritual and cultural heritage. This will increase tourist movement between the two states and create new opportunities for employment and income in hotels, hospitality, transport, handicrafts, food and local businesses.Highlighting UP’s tourism growth under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the minister said tourism is being developed as a strong base for growth, employment and investment. The state recorded around 32 crore tourists in 2022, 48 crore in 2023, nearly 65 crore in 2024 and a record 156 crore tourists in 2025. In 2026, more than 41 crore tourists visited the state till June.He said tourism is being aligned with Vision 2047 and the goal of making Uttar Pradesh a one-trillion-dollar economy. Tourism is no longer limited to travel and sightseeing, but has become a key driver of local employment, investment, handicrafts and economic growth.Referring to Sarnath’s inclusion in UNESCO World Heritage List, Singh called it a major achievement for Uttar Pradesh tourism. He said it has given Buddhist tourism in the state a stronger global identity and enhanced the prospects of attracting tourists from Japan and other Buddhist countries.UP is now focusing on providing tourists not just visits to temples and monuments, but a complete experience of culture, food, art, craft and local life, said the minister, adding that products like Banarasi silk, Moradabad brassware, Bhadohi carpets and Kannauj perfume are becoming part of the tourism experience.Singh said such events strengthen Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’. He expressed confidence that Odisha Parab in Kashi will take tourism, culture, investment and people-to-people ties between Uttar Pradesh and Odisha to new heights.Odisha Parab is showcasing Odisha’s living cultural heritage through performances such as Odissi, Gotipua, Sambalpuri, Ghumura, Dhemsa and Paika Akhada. Traditional delicacies such as chhena poda and rasgulla are also introducing residents of Kashi and visitors to the flavours of Odisha.
