Tripura celebrates Odisha's Utkal Divas

Recently, Tripura observed Odisha Day or Utkal Divas with performance by distinguished artists in Agartala.

Traditional dance and music comprise the celebration of Utkal Divas.

Odisha was formed on April 1, 1936. Every year on this day, the contributions and sacrifices made by the people of Odisha during the struggle for statehood is remembered.

The festival was organized by Odia Samaj Tripura in collaboration with Sangeet Natak Academy and was inaugurated by the Tripura CM Manik Sarkar.

"On behalf of Oriya Samaj we are organizing this festival to basically integrate cultural activities, cultural affairs between Tripura and Orissa, sharing of Orissa culture with people of Tripura and they are also accepting our culture, dance, food and festival," said Deepak Kumar Biswal, the organizer.

The festival is organized with an aim to promote the rich and traditional art and culture of Odisha in other parts of the country and bridge the gap between the people of different regions.

The performances by traditional artists on the classical 'Odissi dance' left the audience spellbound.

Odisha's internationally acclaimed Sambalpuri folk dance gave the audience an insight of the culture and tradition of Odisha.

The performance was enjoyed by both young and old alike.

"Away from home is really a wonderful feeling and organizing this type of event in far away distance is really wonderful actually we are enjoying each and every moment of the programme and particularly when you see your own people, your own culture, own language is really a great thing. We are in debt to the people who are already here since many years and who have kept this culture alive here," said Iman, a local.

The festival gave an opportunity to local artists to showcase their talent, who showcased their skills in the field of art, music, dance, literature, theatre and cinema.

"The response is very good and I believe that it is helping to improve the relation between the people of Tripura and Odisha and especially the cultural front is strengthening," added another local Bimal Kumar Roy.

Jyoti Tapao, who watched the programme, said that he was delighted to witness the culture of Odisha in Tripura.

"It will give the message to the nation and people of Tripura and all over India that we all are united and culturally rich," she added.

The festival not only brings two states closer, but also strengthens the cultural ties between Odisha and Tripura.