Indonesia Odia Samaj celebrates Kartik Purnima and Nuakhai in Jakarta

Bhubaneswar: To give the younger generation and other communities an experience of Odia culture and help understand the significance of rituals, the Indonesia Odia Samaj organised Kartik Purnima and Nuakhai celebrations at the Indian embassy in Jakarta on Saturday.Jointly inaugurated by first secretary, Indian mission to Asean, Dolamani Meher, counsellor, Indian embassy, Amit Kumar Mishra, and attaché (P&I) & community affairs, Indian embassy, Lalthanglien Ruolngul, the event was attended by around 100 people, who included 15-16 children in the age group of 7-15 years.“To keep our culture alive among people who have left Odisha for work and business, help our children learn about it and also to tell other communities, we organised the event,” said Subhendu Mishra, founding member of the samaj.

“All members ensured that they adhere to most of the rituals,” he added. Samaj members gathered during weekends to organise the event.The event included a video presentation on ‘Boita Bandana’ and Nuakhai. “Organising the event portrays our culture better and children can learn and adopt it faster,” added Mishra.Another samaj member, Aneeta Debasis Roy, presented Jagannath bhajan. Popular Odia movie, ‘Shri Jagannath Nka Nabakalebara’, was screened.

Producer Soubhagyalaxmi Jena and researcher Srinibas Ghatuary spoke virtually about Lord Jagannath and Nabakalebara.Mishra also read out a message from Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who said, “Nuakhai Bhetghat and Kartik Purnima-Boita Bandana capture the spirit of Odisha....It is heartening to know that despite being miles away from home, you continue to cherish and celebrate this significant festival with such enthusiasm and devotion in Indonesia.”“The spirit of Nuakhai, which brings together family, friends and community, is a testament to our enduring values and traditions. May this celebration strengthen the sense of pride and bonding among the vibrant Odia diaspora in Indonesia and inspire our younger generation to carry forward our rich cultural legacy and glorious traditions,” Pradhan added.The event culminated with a spread of ‘bhata’, ‘dalma’, ‘khiri’, ‘amba khata’, aloo chop’ and ‘dahi bara’ cooked by an Odia chef based in Jakarta.