New Delhi, March 14, 2026:
The vibrant cultural festival Odisha Parv 2026 was celebrated at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Saturday, showcasing the rich heritage, traditions, and artistic legacy of Odisha. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta attended the event along with Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi and addressed members of the Odia community gathered for the celebration.
During her address, the Chief Minister extended greetings to the Odia community residing in Delhi and described the festival as a powerful symbol of cultural unity and a meaningful way for people to remain connected with their roots. She praised the grand celebration of Odisha’s art, culture, music, dance, and traditions in the national capital.
Gupta said it was a matter of pride and happiness that Odisha’s cultural heritage was being presented on such a large platform in Delhi. She noted that Odia families living in the capital continue to maintain a strong connection with their cultural identity, traditions, and homeland.
Congratulating the organisers, the Chief Minister highlighted that Odisha Parv has been organized annually since 2017 and has now completed nearly a decade of celebrations. She said the festival has become an eagerly awaited event for the Odia community in Delhi, as it offers an opportunity to celebrate their traditions and strengthen their cultural bonds.
According to the Chief Minister, Odisha Parv is not merely a cultural event but also a platform that reinforces community identity and cultural pride among people living away from their native state.
While addressing the gathering, Rekha Gupta described the Odia community in Delhi as part of her extended family. She said cultural festivals such as Odisha Parv reflect India’s spirit of unity in diversity by bringing together people from different regions, languages, and traditions on one platform.
Sharing a personal experience, the Chief Minister said that soon after assuming office she visited Odisha to seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath. She also mentioned her participation in the Jagannath Rath Yatra organized in Delhi, where she took part in the traditional ritual known as “Chhera Pahara,” following the customs associated with the yatra.
Gupta noted that around 1.5 million people in Delhi have connections with Odisha, highlighting the inclusive character of the national capital where people from various states and cultures live together harmoniously. She said Delhi welcomes everyone with open arms and gives every resident the confidence that the city belongs to them.
She also reassured families in Odisha that their relatives living in Delhi are safe and that the Delhi government remains attentive to their needs and welfare. The Chief Minister added that the Delhi government had recently celebrated Utkal Divas at the official level for the first time in a grand manner to honour the Odia community and acknowledge their contribution to the city.
Speaking about spiritual traditions, Gupta said Lord Jagannath holds deep significance not only for the people of Odisha but also for many devotees in Delhi. She noted that Rath Yatra processions dedicated to the deity are also organized in the capital, reflecting the devotion and cultural continuity maintained by the community.
She also appreciated the efforts of community organisations and cultural groups that continue to preserve and promote Odisha’s traditions in Delhi through such events.
The Chief Minister praised Odisha’s cultural heritage, including its literature, classical and folk music, traditional dance forms, visual arts, and historical legacy. She said the cultural richness of Odisha contributes significantly to India’s broader identity as a diverse yet unified nation.
During her speech, Gupta also referred to the development momentum in Odisha and said the state currently has a “double-engine government,” with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the government at the Centre and a new government in Odisha. According to her, this governance structure is expected to accelerate development and bring greater prosperity to the people of the state.
She expressed confidence that the progress taking place in Odisha would translate into improved opportunities and economic growth for its citizens.
Concluding her address, the Chief Minister extended her best wishes for the success of Odisha Parv 2026. She said the art, culture, and traditions of Odisha represent invaluable treasures of India’s heritage.
Gupta added that events like Odisha Parv play an important role in strengthening cultural diversity and national unity by bringing communities together and celebrating India’s shared traditions and values.
