Guwahati: Odisha, often described as one of India’s best-kept cultural treasures, is a state where ancient traditions, artistic excellence and natural beauty coexist seamlessly. From classical dance forms and vibrant folk traditions to exquisite crafts, handlooms and a rich culinary heritage, Odisha reflects the depth and diversity of India’s cultural legacy.
Building on the success of Odisha Parab in Bengaluru, the Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha, is now taking its flagship cultural and tourism showcase to several cities across the country. The initiative aims to promote experience-led tourism and present the state’s diverse offerings to a wider audience. As part of this national outreach, Odisha Parab, Guwahati marks the second edition of the event and holds strategic significance as the first stop in the northeast.
To showcase Odisha’s cultural spirit beyond its borders, the Department of Tourism, in collaboration with the Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture, and with active participation from the Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department, ORMAS, ADISHA and the Mission Shakti Department, is organising Odisha Parab, Guwahati from January 30 to February 1. The three-day cultural and tourism showcase will be held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Guwahati.
With Guwahati serving as a major transit and cultural hub of the North-East, the event seeks to engage regional audiences while strengthening cultural and tourism ties between Odisha and the northeastern states.
Odisha Parab, Guwahati aims to familiarise visitors with the state’s living traditions, creative expressions and diverse tourism offerings through an immersive experience. The event will present a comprehensive portrait of Odisha by bringing together culture, cuisine, crafts, destinations, handlooms, textiles and handicrafts under one roof.
A major highlight will be live craft demonstrations, where master artisans from Odisha will create traditional handicrafts in real time, allowing visitors to witness the skill, techniques and heritage behind the state’s renowned craft traditions. Dedicated craft and handloom stalls will showcase a wide range of Odisha’s iconic products, including handwoven textiles, traditional designs and GI-tagged items. Visitors will have the opportunity to interact directly with artisans and take home authentic pieces of Odisha’s cultural heritage.
The culinary segment will offer an equally engaging experience, with live cooking demonstrations and curated food stalls serving authentic Odia cuisine. The showcase will highlight the diversity of Odisha’s food culture, including tribal dishes, coastal specialities and traditional desserts such as Chhena Poda. A special attraction will be live cooking sessions by Master Chef Abinash Nayak, who will present classic recipes along with contemporary interpretations rooted in traditional flavours.
Odisha Parab, Guwahati will also feature a vibrant line-up of classical, folk and tribal performances, reflecting the rhythm, storytelling and martial traditions of the state. Performances will include Odissi, Gotipua, Sambalpuri, Paika Akhada, Ghumura, Sahijata, Dhemsa, Chhau and Ghuduki, offering audiences a broad glimpse into Odisha’s rich performing arts heritage.
In addition to cultural showcases, the event will highlight Odisha’s tourism potential by introducing visitors to the state’s destinations, experiential travel offerings and heritage circuits. Special programmes such as a Diaspora Meet and a Tourism Roadshow will also be organised, providing platforms for interaction among the Odia diaspora, tourism stakeholders, business communities and government representatives to explore opportunities for collaboration.
A high-level delegation led by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, along with senior officials, will attend the event and interact with members of the Odia diaspora, prospective investors and tour operators from the North-East. These engagements aim to strengthen tourism linkages, encourage investment and foster long-term partnerships aligned with Odisha’s tourism and cultural development goals.
ALSO READ: Assam secures Rs 1 lakh crore investment commitments at World Economic Forum
Envisioned as more than a cultural festival, Odisha Parab, Guwahati serves as a platform for dialogue, exchange and celebration, reinforcing shared cultural values and deepening inter-regional connections. The event reflects Odisha’s continued commitment to preserving its heritage while promoting sustainable tourism, inclusive outreach and experience-led destination promotion.
