THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
GUWAHATI/BHUBANESWAR, JANUARY 31, 2026
Odisha Parab
2026 was ceremonially inaugurated in Guwahati, marking the beginning of a
vibrant three-day celebration that brings Odisha’s rich cultural heritage and
diverse tourism offerings to the forefront. Organised by the Department of
Tourism, Government of Odisha, in association with FICCI as the industry
partner, the event presents a colourful panorama of the State’s traditions,
handicrafts, handlooms, authentic cuisine and immersive travel experiences,
while strengthening cultural and people-to-people ties between Odisha and
Assam.
The
selection of Guwahati, regarded as the gateway to the Northeast, underscores
Odisha’s strategic intent to deepen cultural and tourism engagement with
Eastern and Northeastern India, fostering stronger connectivity, collaboration
and mutual exchange. Odisha Parab 2026 is being held from January 30 to
February 1, 2026, with the support of the Odia Language, Literature &
Culture Department, Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts Department, ORMAS and
Mission Shakti.
The
inaugural ceremony was graced by Pravati Parida, Deputy Chief Minister of
Odisha and Minister of Women and Child Development, Mission Shakti and Tourism
Department; Diganta Barah, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Tourism Department,
Government of Assam; Balwant Singh, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Department of
Tourism; and Deepankar Mohapatra, Director of Tourism, Government of Odisha.
Tourism stakeholders, industry leaders, members of the Odia diaspora and
invited guests were also present on the occasion.
Addressing
the gathering, the Deputy Chief Minister described Odisha Parab as a flagship
cultural outreach initiative of the State, designed to position Odisha as an
experiential destination that harmoniously blends heritage, culture, cuisine,
nature and modern tourism infrastructure. Shri Diganta Barah highlighted the
significance of inter-state collaboration in tourism promotion and lauded
Odisha’s efforts to showcase its cultural and tourism strengths in Assam,
noting the expanding tourism linkages between the two regions.
Senior
officials of the Tourism Department reiterated that Odisha Parab is more than a
cultural festival, emerging as a comprehensive tourism engagement platform that
brings together artisans, performers, culinary experts, tour operators and
institutional stakeholders, offering visitors a holistic glimpse into the
living heritage and contemporary tourism potential of Odisha.
