Odias in Ireland Unite for Third Annual Utkal Dibas and Pana Sankranti Celebration in Dublin
For the third consecutive year, the Odia community in Ireland came together in a spirited celebration of Utkal Dibas and Pana Sankranti. The event, organized by the Odia Society of Ireland, was held at the Rathcoole Community Centre in Dublin on Saturday, drawing a significant gathering of diaspora members.
A Gathering of Community and Culture
The celebration saw the attendance of approximately 90 Odias, along with distinguished guests who added a unique international flavor to the proceedings. Among them was Rutger Kortenhorst, a Sanskrit teacher originally from the Netherlands who has been honored with the Padma Shri award. Kortenhorst enriched the event by chanting Sanskrit shlokas, with many society members joining in, creating a resonant cultural moment.
Also present was Jennifer Murray, an Irish woman recognized for her bravery in assisting an Indian individual during a racist attack in Ireland last summer. Murray addressed the assembly, speaking warmly about the Indian community and the importance of cultural programs in fostering understanding and unity.
Preserving Heritage for Future Generations
A key part of the function was a detailed narration on Utkal Dibas, aimed at educating the younger generation about the historical events that led to the formation of Odisha as a separate state in 1936, based on linguistic identity. Sunita Panda, President of the Odia Society of Ireland, emphasized the significance of this effort.
"Our primary goal was to bring Odia families together to commemorate the formation of Odisha and celebrate our shared heritage and cultural pride with a strong sense of togetherness," Panda stated. "It is crucial to pass this legacy on to our younger generation, as it helps create a lasting sense of belonging and identity."
Vibrant Cultural Performances and Traditional Delicacies
The event featured a rich cultural program curated by the society's cultural secretary, Swosti Simantini. Both children and adults participated in a variety of performances, including:
- Traditional Odia songs and instrumental music
- Sambalpuri dance, showcasing regional folk artistry
- Children's dance choreography by Odissi dancer Bagmi Pragyan Jaysingh, a dedicated society member
The program was skillfully anchored by Nirupama Sahoo and Subhasmin Rana, ensuring a smooth and engaging flow of events.
A highlight of the celebration was the preparation of 'pana', a traditional Odia drink. Swarnalata Sahoo and Rashmi Praba Swain expertly concocted this beverage using a blend of milk, homemade cheese, dry fruits, and fresh fruits. The culinary spread also included other beloved Odia dishes such as dahi bara-aludum, ghuguni, samosa, and gulab jamun, all lovingly prepared by Niladri Mohanty.
Organizational Excellence and Community Spirit
The successful coordination of the event was managed by the society's leadership team, including Vice-President Sambit Mishra, General Secretary Prasanna Sahoo, and Treasurer Jeet Nanda. Their efforts ensured that the celebration not only honored Odisha's rich cultural traditions but also strengthened the bonds within the Odia community in Ireland.
This annual gathering continues to serve as a vital platform for cultural exchange, heritage preservation, and community building among Odias living far from their homeland.
