MELBOURNE, 11 June 2023: With the support of the Consulate General of India in Melbourne, the Association of Odias in Australia (ORIOZ Inc.) organized Raja Parba on 11 June 2023. This is one of the most popular festival of Odisha that signifies womanhood and sustainable development.
ORIOZ Inc. is a registered organization with Australia Security and Investment Commission, and has been supporting community services and nurturing Odian culture in Australia. In the past, ORIOZ Inc. has partnered with the Australian Government and received funds for organizing events to promote Odian culture in Australia.
The event was attended by about 500 people including officials, tour operators, business persons and members of the Odian community in Australia. The whole day event included display of rich culture, cuisine and tourist destinations of Australia.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sushil Kumar, Consul General of India lauded the contribution of the Odian community in promoting India’s rich culture heritage and providing opportunities for the younger generation to connect with their cultural roots. He also requested the participants in helping to promote bilateral trade, technology and tourism ties with India.
The gathering was also addressed by Mr. Manoj Naik, President of the national chapter of ORIOZ Inc. and Mr. Amitabh Mohapatra, President of the Victoria chapter of the ORIOZ Inc.
As 2023 has been declared as ‘International Year of Millets’ by the United Nations General Assembly, food items made from the Millets were also displayed and served along with the Odian cuisine. A presentation on tourism and investment opportunities in Odisha and a series of cultural performances of the State were the main attractions of this year Raja Parba festival.
The culturally vibrant event kicked off with a silent prayer and homage to the victims of the recent Balasore Train accident and speeches including by Dr. Sushil Kumar, India’s Consul General in Melbourne, who commended the ORIOZ Inc. for the function and for preserving the state’s rich cultural heritage in Australia. The rich cultural program included Mistii, Odishi Mangalacharana, Odishi Battu, Dance Ninja, Kids Choir, Durga Ashtmi dance among others.
