Bhubaneswar, January 7: Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mohapatra has appealed to the citizens of Bhubaneswar to celebrate 'Pravasi Bharatiya Divas' (PBD) with the same enthusiasm and spirit as Diwali.
He appealed to the people of Bhubaneswar to decorate their houses by illuminating their houses and drawing “Rangoli”.
Shops and malls are also requested to decorate their establishments with lights and flower pots, the minister said.
The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation and Bhubaneswar Development Authority have decorated the entire city with colorful paint on the walls and bridges across the state capital.
Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said the State Museum in Bhubaneswar will remain open till 9 pm every day for three days during the PBD convention beginning on Wednesday.
The State Museum generally remains open till 5.30 pm every day.
Suraj said several programs will be held during the event.
He said that as part of the Odisha government’s effort to highlight the state’s rich culture, the department has organized three dance festivals from Tuesday evening which will continue till January 11 coinciding with the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.
Stating that classical dance and music are integral parts of Odisha’s culture and heritage, the minister said the Rajarani Music Festival, Mukteswar Odissi Dance Festival and International Odissi Dance Festival are being organized.
The government has also organized a flower show and a bird festival at Chilika.
He encouraged residents to decorate their homes and public spaces, creating a vibrant atmosphere for the event.
The state government in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs is hosting the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Bhubaneswar from January 8-10. The event is expected to welcome more than 5,000 delegates from over 50 countries across the globe.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will be a grand celebration, highlighting Odisha as well as India’s cultural richness and fostering global connections.
