Bhubaneswar, March 14: ‘Aarohan,’ the biennial gathering of non-redsident Odias will begin at Maroochy Waterfront Camp and Conference Centre in the Sunshine Coast region there keeping the tradition strong for the new generations to continue.
OriozInc, the Association of Odias in Australia, began this tradition of organising national gathering every second year with a view to strengthening the bond between Odias who call Australia home, temporarily or permanently.
These biennial national gatherings are called Sammilanis, with a name given to each one with the theme.
The eighth conclave to be held from March 25 to March 27 has been named Aarohana- upward journey of the community since 2005 when it formalised itself with registration of Orioz Inc. according to Orioz President Sujit Jena, the Odia community of Australia are proud of themselves for investing in building a single Odia community in a large country such as Australia.
Like the last Sammilani in 2014, this time also members from Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, Australian Capital Territory – Canberra, New South Wales and Queensland will come together for 2 days, showcasing Odia art, culture and traditions.
The two days will be packed with both group and individual activities such as a river cruise, group dances, sole performances and health talks.
A cook has been engaged to roll out all the Odia dishes that would bring back the memories from back home.
Executive Advisor of Orioz Dr Manoj Nayak says this Sammilani will live upto the name of AAROHANA and will focus on the young generation who are brave enough to grow up with multicultural values but are still choosing to keep their unique Odia identity.
