The vibrant Odia community in the Netherlands came together in full force to celebrate their rich cultural heritage during the eighth annual Danga Bhasa and Chadakhai festival. The event, held in Amstelveen on Sunday, showcased the enduring spirit of Odia traditions far from their homeland.
Grand Celebration of Odia Culture
Organized by the Odia Socio-Cultural Association of Netherlands (OSCAN), the festival transformed the venue into what participants described as a 'mini Odisha' through elaborate traditional decorations. The space came alive with Sambalpuri fabrics, Pipili Chandua lights, and miniature paper boats that evoked the coastal charm of Odisha.
The ceremony commenced with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp near an idol of Lord Jagannath, accompanied by the singing of Bande Utkal Janani. The event attracted distinguished guests including Krish Gupta, director of Gandhi Center from the Embassy of India, and Nupur Kohli, a candidate from one of the leading political parties in the Netherlands.
Cultural Extravaganza and Traditional Feasts
The festival featured an array of cultural performances that highlighted Odia artistic traditions. Attendees witnessed mesmerizing Odissi dance performances and participated in enthusiastic boita-making competitions among different cities. The sailing of these traditional boats in nearby waters, accompanied by the sacred sounds of Sankha and Hulahuli, created a captivating atmosphere.
A highlight of the event was the traditional Chadakhai feast that offered authentic Odia delicacies. Participants savored local favorites including dahi bara alu dum and chenapoda, bringing the authentic taste of Odisha to Dutch shores.
Building Community and Future Plans
OSCAN president Saswat Padhi emphasized the organization's mission, telling TOI: "Through events like these, OSCAN organizes Odia festivals and community events to build unity among Odias in the Netherlands and within the Dutch society."
The festival has shown remarkable growth since its inception in 2017, when it began with just 10 to 15 participants. The event now attracts significantly larger numbers, demonstrating the expanding Odia presence in the Netherlands.
In a significant announcement, OSCAN revealed its long-term initiative to establish a Jagannath temple in the Netherlands. The organization is currently in discussions with key stakeholders, including the Gajapati Maharaja of Puri and Indian Embassy officials, to bring this vision to reality.
The successful celebration not only reinforced cultural bonds within the Odia diaspora but also served as a bridge to introduce Dutch society to the rich traditions of Odisha, ensuring that future generations remain connected to their heritage while building new connections in their adopted homeland.
