Nila Madhav's documentary on Nabakalebara released

A documentary film on Nabakalebar festival 'God's Own People' was launched at a city theatre here on Friday.

A special screening of the documentary was done at a multiplex in Bhubaneswar in presence of Governor S.C. Jamir, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and several ministers.

The 78-minute documentary has been directed by Nila Madhab Panda, a Padma Shri recipient, in association with Akshay Parija Productions and sponsored by Odisha Tourism.

"The documentary has been made to be viewed around the globe. I am sure this will be appreciated by many Odias and others all over the world," said Patnaik after the special screening.

He directed that Nabakalebara documentary should be available publicly and on Internet for everyone to watch and enjoy.

Panda said the documentary has been made to showcase the rare ritual of Nabakalebara that takes place every 19 years. "It has captured moments during the sacred Nabakalebara and explores ideas of anticipation, love, longing, separation, faith and surrender to God.

"'God's Own People' shall be screened at various national and international film festivals and the full length feature shall be released worldwide in a few months," said Nila Madhab Panda.