The annual get together by western Odia community was celebrated with great fervour in Vashi. The event named as Pushpuni Bhetghat is a traditional harvest festival clubbed together with a community gathering.
This was the 18th year the get together was organised at Odisha Bhavan, Navi Mumbai. “ Every year the community gathers and spends some time together at the Bhavan. It is a joyous occasion wherein in Orissa it is the celebration of the harvest yielded by the farmers. In the city we use the occasion to just meet and interact. There are cultural performances held and traditional food is prepared,” said the founder member Dipak Pujari.
The event commenced with a Maa Samalai Puja. Present for the celebration was the Joint Commissioner of Income Tax, Mumbai Sarika Jain.
Originally hailing from Kantabanji of Balangir district, the commissioner lauded the role played by Paschim Odisha Parivaar (POP) and Juhar Foundation from the city on the work done during COVID especially in assisting 5000 odd migrant workers from the state back to to their homes.
“ Both POP and Juhar foundation has played a major role in preserving the western Odisha rich cultural heritage,” said Jain
The evening featured an energetic musical performance by “Legend Entertainment,” led by Sujit Kumar and Team, who enthralled the audience with Sambalpuri, Odia, and Hindi songs. Enthusiastic guests and members joined in, dancing to the rhythmic beats of Sambalpuri music, adding to the festive spirit.
The event saw a turnout of around 100 attendees, who also relished an authentic Odia feast served by Kaling Restaurant. The celebration successfully fostered cultural unity and community bonding, making it a memorable gathering for all present
