Bhubaneswar: Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida inaugurated “Odisha Parab 2026” at the Gujarat University Convention and Exhibition Centre in Ahmedabad on Saturday.
During the three-day event, Odisha’s rich heritage, vibrant traditions, handicrafts, handlooms, authentic cuisine, and diverse tourism experiences will be promoted.
Parida told the gathering that Odisha Parab serves as a flagship cultural outreach initiative and presents the state as an experiential destination that blends heritage, spirituality, nature, cuisine, and modern tourism infrastructure.
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Rameshkumar Sanghavi, who also attended the inaugural ceremony, said that from rich heritage and deep-rooted traditions to a shared legacy of art, crafts, and devotion, both states reflect India’s diverse yet unified soul.
In a post on X, he said that the coastal spirit, entrepreneurial energy, and cultural pride create strong similarities between Gujarat and Odisha.
The event is organised by the Department of Tourism, the Central government, in association with FICCI as the industry partner. It will conclude on Monday.
Odisha Parab 2026 is being organised with the support of the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department, Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department, ORMAS, and Mission Shakti.
The three-day event features a curated exhibition of Odisha’s arts, handicrafts, textiles, and handlooms, live culinary showcases of authentic Odia cuisine, classical, folk, and tribal cultural performances, and a dedicated tourism pavilion highlighting Odisha’s key destinations and tourism products.
It also includes B2B, G2B, and diaspora interactions to deepen tourism and cultural partnerships.
The event is open to the public and invites people in Ahmedabad to experience the spirit, stories, and soul of Odisha.
The inaugural ceremony was also attended by Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner Banchanidhi Pani, Tourism Commissioner-cum-Secretary Balwant Singh, and Tourism Director Deepankar Mohapatra, along with tourism stakeholders, industry leaders, members of the Odia diaspora, and guests.
