Guwahati is set to host a colourful celebration of Odisha’s cultural and tourism heritage as Odisha Parab comes to the city from January 30 to February 1 at the Radisson Blu Hotel. Organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha, the three-day programme aims to showcase the state’s living traditions, creative expressions and diverse tourism destinations to audiences in the North-East.
After drawing strong response in Bengaluru, the Guwahati edition marks the second leg of Odisha Parab and the first major outreach of the initiative in the North-Eastern region. With Guwahati being a key cultural and transit hub, the event is expected to help build stronger cultural and tourism links between Odisha and the North-East, while promoting experience-based travel opportunities.
Odisha Parab, Guwahati is being organised in collaboration with the Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture, with participation from the Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department, ORMAS, ADISHA and the Mission Shakti Department. The event brings together Odisha’s culture, cuisine, crafts, handlooms, handicrafts and tourism offerings under one platform.
A major attraction will be live craft demonstrations by master artisans from Odisha, giving visitors a chance to witness traditional skills and techniques up close. Several stalls will feature iconic Odia handicrafts and handwoven textiles, including GI-tagged products, allowing visitors to interact directly with artisans and purchase authentic handmade items.
The food segment will highlight the diversity of Odia cuisine through live cooking demonstrations and curated food stalls, ranging from tribal and coastal dishes to popular desserts like Chhena Poda. A special attraction will be live sessions by Odisha-based MasterChef Abinash Nayak, who will present traditional recipes along with modern interpretations rooted in authentic flavours.
Cultural performances will remain at the centre of the event, featuring a mix of classical, folk and tribal art forms. Performances such as Odissi, Gotipua, Sambalpuri, Paika Akhada, Ghumura, Sahijata, Dhemsa, Chhau and Ghuduki will offer audiences a glimpse into Odisha’s rich performing arts and martial traditions.
The event will also focus strongly on tourism promotion, introducing visitors to Odisha’s key destinations, heritage circuits and experiential travel options. Activities like a Tourism Roadshow and a Diaspora Meet will be organised to encourage interaction between the Odia diaspora, tourism stakeholders, business communities and government representatives.
A high-level delegation led by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, along with senior state officials, is expected to attend the programme and interact with members of the Odia diaspora, tour operators and potential investors from the North-East. These engagements are aimed at strengthening tourism cooperation and exploring opportunities for investment and long-term partnerships.
More than just a cultural festival, Odisha Parab, Guwahati is being positioned as a platform for dialogue, exchange and celebration, highlighting shared cultural values and inter-regional connections. The initiative reflects Odisha’s efforts to preserve its heritage while promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism beyond the state’s borders.