By Our Correspondent
DUBAI/BHUBANEWAR:The vibrant culture, traditions and community spirit of Western Odisha came alive in Dubai as Nuakhai Paribar UAE hosted the 12th edition of Nuakhai Bhetghat UAE at Glendale International School, Oud Metha, Dubai.
Recognised as the World’s Largest Nuakhai Bhetghat outside India, the celebration brought together above 500 people from across the UAE, creating a vibrant platform for the Odia diaspora, families, children and friends of Odisha to come together and celebrate the rich heritage of Western Odisha.
Adding a deeply traditional touch to the celebration, Nua Dhaan (newly harvested rice) was specially flown from Sambalpur to Dubai for the Nuakhai Bhetghat. The special arrangement brought an authentic connection to the agricultural and cultural roots of Nuakhai and symbolised the strong bond between the Odia community in the UAE and their homeland.
The programme commenced with Samaleswari Bandana, invoking the blessings of Maa Samaleswari, the presiding deity of Sambalpur, followed by the traditional Dweepa Prajwalana, marking the ceremonial inauguration of the celebration.
The presence of the Nua Dhan from Sambalpur, along with the traditional invocation of Maa Samaleswari, added a special spiritual and cultural significance to the occasion.
Distinguished Guests Grace the Celebration
The event was graced by several distinguished personalities from the UAE’s media, business and professional communities. The guests included RJ Abhijit, a multiple award-winning radio and television broadcaster and a popular RJ at 89.1 Radio 4; Dr. (CA) Sahitya K. Chaturvedi, Secretary General, Indian Business & Professional Council (IBPC Dubai); U Nagaraja Rau, Director, Bhima Jewellers; and Dato Manikandamurthy Velayoudam, Chairman and Group Managing Director of SkyBlue Group.
The celebration also witnessed participation from guests and friends of the community belonging to different nationalities, including Malaysia, Myanmar and Uganda. Their presence added an international dimension to the event and demonstrated how the universal values of culture, community and togetherness can transcend geographical and national boundaries.
The guests were highly impressed by the rich culture, traditions and hospitality of Western Odisha showcased during the celebration. From the traditional Nuakhai rituals and Nua Dhaan to music, performances and authentic Western Odisha cuisine, the event offered international guests an opportunity to experience a unique cultural tradition of Odisha firsthand.
Artists from Odisha Add Star Power
The celebration received an added cultural dimension with the participation of popular artists and performers from Odisha. Renowned singer Satyajeet Pradhan, Sital Kabi, Subhalaxmi Das, and famous Odia stand-up comedian Riten Pattanaik joined the celebration and entertained the audience with their respective performances.
Their participation brought a vibrant mix of music, entertainment, humour and contemporary Odia culture to the Dubai stage, creating memorable moments for the large gathering.
The programme was anchored by Shakti, along with Seemantika Das, a well-known anchor and RJ associated with Western Odisha. Their engaging presentation added energy and warmth to the evening and helped connect the various cultural segments of the programme.
Showcasing the Rich Culture of Western Odisha
The cultural programme featured performances by children, families and local talents from the UAE, providing a vibrant showcase of the traditions, music and cultural heritage of Western Odisha.
Among the special attractions were musical presentations featuring the evergreen Western Odisha favourite “Rangabati” on violin and “Ae Paan Wala Babu” on flute. The performances captivated the audience and added a special musical touch to the evening.
The participation of children and families was particularly significant, highlighting the efforts of the Odia community to pass its cultural traditions to the younger generation. The celebration provided an opportunity for children growing up in the UAE to connect with the language, music, food and traditions of their ancestral homeland.
Special Calendar Celebrating Western Odisha Culture
As part of the cultural initiative, a special calendar symbolising the rich culture, heritage and traditions of Western Odisha was also released during the event. The calendar serves as a visual representation of Western Odisha’s unique cultural identity and is intended to help preserve, promote and showcase its heritage throughout the year.
Authentic Flavours of Western Odisha
Food was another major attraction of the celebration. Guests were treated to an extensive spread of traditional Western Odisha cuisine, including chicken, mutton, fish besara and special Ambhila. The authentic flavours added another dimension to the celebration and allowed guests to experience the culinary traditions associated with Nuakhai.
The traditional food was especially appreciated by guests, including those from outside the Odia community, offering them a taste of the distinctive culinary heritage of Western Odisha.
