Kalinga Swaraj Foundation, the largest non-resident Odia community of the world, has recently celebrated Raja Mahotsav in Pune and Hyderabad in grand style and sensation on 19th Jun 2022 (Sunday) along with its Women’s wing. Raja is the only festival in the world which marks the period of fertility regeneration of the earth, equivalent to the menstrual cycle which women undergo. This is also known as the festival of womanhood celebrated in Odisha and across the globe by Odia.
There were almost 2000 folks gathered in both Pune and Hyderabad to celebrate Raja Mahotsav with the fellow Odias. For Pune it was in lush environment of Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) and for Hyderabad it was at Family World Function Hall, Begumpet. For Pune the occasion was graced by Honourable Laxminarayan Mishra IAS, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) and a proud Odia. He was extremely happy to see the efforts by the Kalinga Swaraj Team towards uniting the Odias in Pune for successfully conducting the event. The event was also graced by IISER Professor -Dr Gyana Ranjan Tripathy, IFBBPRO Bikini Athlete Sarina Pani, International Visual Artist Debabrata Pal, eminent personalities of Pune Founder Director “Saare Jahan Se Acha” Raja Narasimhan & Priti Raja. Priti is currently handling a project “Her Mahina Har Mahila” is reaching out to girls and women from cities, villages and remote tribal areas both online and offline to make them aware about menstrual health, hygiene, sustainable period products and disposal etiquettes. For Hyderabad Honourable DM of Yadadri Bhuvanagiri, Mrs. Pamela Satpathy, IAS graced the event as the Chief Guest with her presence. She emphasised on the role of women in ensuring holistic development of the society.
In Hyderabad around 1000 Odias gathered to celebrate this beautiful event with full enthusiasm. Cultural programmes such as ‘Rangoli’, Tume Au Mu’ (You&Me), a special program for couples to exhibit their compatibility, Group Dance, Songs (solo, duet and group) and the most popular event ‘Raja Queen’, which displayed the rich heritage and culture of Odisha. Namrata Adela was the winner of Raja queen contest. The Event was well supported by the sponsors. Delicious cuisine of Odisha such as Poda Pitha, Chhena Poda & Raja Paan were also served on the occasion. The cultural programmes started in the evening with Ganesh Vandana by Saswati Patnaik. The Welcome Address was delivered by KSWW Head Mrs. Sasmita Mishra. The event was beautifully hosted by Shakti Khadanga
Similarly in Pune around 1000 Odias gathered to celebrate this beautiful event with full enthusiasm. Cultural programmes such as Odissi Dance on Devi Vandana by International Odissi Dancer -Aradhana Sarangi, Ladies Group Dance by Sabita Patra, Anuradha Kunda, Dr. Priyadarshini Puhan & Ranjita Patra, Kids Group Dance by Aarna Guru, Vrinda Tripathi, Sonakshi Padhy, Songs by our stars Indian Idol Fame Subhrasamir Das & his wife, Swatilagna Jena Das supported by Sarat Pradhan, Amitaprajna Mallick & child singer Dishita Dash. A mesmerizing dance by powerful girl, Kruttika Mohapatra. Stand-up comedy by Ashish Baghar, the trend setter from Bhubaneswar, Odia DJ, Limca books record holder – our very own DJ DCode ( Dipak Nayak). The major attraction and most popular event ‘Pune Raja Queen’ was also conducted. The event has 9 talented participants. They not only displayed the rich heritage and culture of Odisha but also influenced us by sharing the story and journey of life. Dr Swadesin Mohapatra was the titled as Pune’s Raja Queen 2022. She bagged many prizes with the opportunity to be the AAO NXT next upcoming star. The Event was well supported by the sponsors and our prime sponsor was AAO NXT. We supported various Odia Women Entrepreneurs in having a Flea Market to sale their products like jewelleries, dresses, sarees, painting, home decors, not only these delicious cuisines of Odisha such as Dahibara Aloodum, Odisha Chat & Raja Paan were also served on the occasion.
The cultural programmes started and hosted by talented admins of Kalinga Swaraj Women’s Wing: Sarada Nath, Smaranika Mohanty, Deepali Parida, Namrata Panda and Agnishikha Jena. The program was executed and curates by our organisation Cultural Head Dipak Nayak, Guest felicitation by Amiya Nath, Food by Jatin Das, supported by Tirtha Sarathi Samantray, Madhumita Mishra, Hemant Panda, Subhendu Sahoo, Ashakiran K.M & Sidharth Mishra. Remotely supported by Deeptiranjan Nayak, Radhakanta Khadanga, Bibekananda Dash, Pravat Rout,Sagarika Pati and not forgetting the Man behind Kalinga Swaraj President Sibasis Swain. We would also like to thank all the Odia Students of IISER would join us to full enthusiasm and excitement and extended all possible support to make this event ..AN EVENT TO BE REMEMBERED FOREVER
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