BHUBANESWAR, SEPTEMBER 27, 2015: A spectacular carnival showcasing the rich cultural heritage and tourism potential of Odisha was taken out in the Capital City on Sunday as part of the World Tourism Day celebration.
Jointly organised by Odisha Tourism and Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Association of India (FHRAI), the carnival was flagged off by Govenor Dr SC Jamir in presence of Culture and Tourism Minister Ashok Panda, legislator Dillip Ray, Chief Secretary G. C. Pati and prominent members of FHRAI.
Students, bikers, vintage cars and musical bands and colourful tableaus moved through a 3 km-long stretch along busy Janpath in the morning, enthralling thousands of spectators including representatives of consulates of USA, Italy, Thailand and France, top echelons of the hospitality industry and stakeholders associated with the industry.
The colourful extravaganza comprised of eight tableaux exclusively designed on different themes. The World Tourism float led the carnival procession. Tableaux exhibiting rich handicrafts and prominent tourist destinations of Odisha were also part of the carnival. The float on Buddhism was very impressive and drew wide applause from the delegates from across India and abroad. The other floats were on wildlife assets, various handicraft products of India.
Musical bands of Indian Navy, Odisha Police along with dance troupes from Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Uttarakhand, West Bengal and Jharkhand brought cheers among the spectators. Popular instruments like Sankha, Ghanta, Dulduli and dance forms Ranappa, Odissi, Ghumura, Mask Dance, tribal dance forms left the spectators spellbound. Famous Naga Medha, Durga Medha, Ravana Medha, different types of animal dances along with a spade of tribal dances from Sundargarh, Koraput, Kandhamal and neighbouring state Jharkhand, Chhau dance, very popular Ghoda nacha of Odisha were part of the visual treat at the carnival.
One of attractions of the carnival was Bollywood actress Mahima Choudhary, who was seen waving to crowd while sitting on back seat of a bike.
To mark the occasion, similar processions was taken out in Puri too.
