Bhubaneswar, Jan 8: Odisha has rolled out a special reception system at the airport to welcome the Indian diaspora. The initiative includes performances of folk dance and music by artists from various districts of the state, giving visitors a glimpse of Odisha's rich culture and traditions.
These performances are not only captivating Indian expatriates but have also caught the attention of foreign tourists.
The Indian Diaspora Convention has seen a growing number of young expatriates participating on the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. Odia expatriates from the UK have expressed interest in investing in Odisha, following discussions about the state's ongoing development. Prameya News 7 correspondent, Saroj Mallik, had extensive talks with them regarding investment opportunities.
A group of more than 35 expatriates from Mauritius also joined the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrations. They were deeply impressed by Odisha's culture, particularly its folk dances. Some of the attendees even participated in the performances.
Many expatriates were excited to return to their homeland and join the celebrations, with reports indicating that around 300 people have traveled from Mauritius to attend the event.
The visitors also explored the Shanti Stupa in Dhauli, gaining insights into its historical significance. They admired the inscriptions of Emperor Ashoka and learned about the Great Kalinga War. The Ashok Bhatt family from San Francisco, USA, also visited the region's historic sites.
For many of these first-time visitors to Odisha, the state’s arts and culture left a lasting impression. They were impressed by the vibrant traditions and expressed their admiration for the hospitality.
Senior reporter of Prameya News 7 Dvitikrishna Pahi conducted in-depth interviews with the guests during their visit, offering a glimpse into their experiences and appreciation for Odisha’s rich cultural heritage.
Some foreign visitors from Poland, upon arriving in Bhubaneswar for the first time, were mesmerized by the traditional dance performances. Two foreign women were particularly drawn to the Sambalpuri dance and were seen actively engaging with the performers.
One tourist mentioned that this experience, which coincided with her birthday, felt like the best gift ever. The cultural presentations are part of a larger tour around the state, aimed at showcasing Odisha's unique heritage.
