Bhubaneswar: Odisha Society of United Kingdom (CIC) organised Odisha Parba UK at Nehru Centre, High Commission of India, London, this week. It showcased Odisha’s classical and folk arts in the UK, while creating a London edition of the popular cultural event, celebrated annually in Delhi.One of the major highlights of the event was presentation of Bagha Nacha (tiger dance), one of Odisha’s folk traditions by Subhashree Sahoo and Saswati Dash. The duo took online lessons from Guru Pabitra Mohapatra of Odisha and sourced all costumes and masks from the UK at short notice for the event. “We try different folk forms at different events in the UK,” said Subhashree, a folk dancer and IT professional.Odisha’s folk traditions were also brought to life by the team led by Sabita Pradhan with the presentation of Dhemsa. Another troupe presented devotional Odia abhinaya ‘Kene Gheni Jaucha Jagannathanku’, beautifully portraying the emotions of a devotee of Lord Jagannath.The evening commenced with a soulful rendition of Jagannathashtakam by Pallabi Basak, a Sanjukta Panigrahi Memorial awardee. She paid tribute to the legendary Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra (2026 is his centenary year) for his immense contribution to the global recognition of Odissi dance.Odissi danseuse Sushmita reflected on the enduring legacy of Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra and emphasised the importance of passing on the guru’s teachings to future generations and ensuring that Odisha’s classical heritage continues to flourish beyond India’s shores.Organiser Sweta Mohanty said Odisha Parba is an effort by the Odia diaspora to narrate the story of Odisha to the world and celebrate its enduring legacy on a global stage.Bibhuti Bhusan Pattnayak, another organiser, outlined the wide range of initiatives undertaken by the OSUK (CIC) in promoting Odisha’s culture, heritage, and achievements.Also present were former MP from the Labour Party Virendra Sharma, mayor of Hertsmere, Parveen Rani, councillor of Kings Furlong Bikram Banerjee and members of Odia diaspora Partha Panda, Dipti Mohanty, and Sonali Panda.
