Bhubaneswar, April 30: The residents of New Delhi had the opportunity to bear witness to an exposition of Odia culture on the India Gate lawns at the ongoing Odisha Parba hosted by Odia Samaj from April 29 to May 1.

The event highlights the spectrum of Odisha's history, art, culture, traditions, dance forms and culinary delights.

A 52-ft-high replica of the chariots at Puri rath yatra were displayed inside the entrance gate and a replica of the mountain caves of Udayagiri were erected to provide the backdrop for the stage.

Explaining the objective behind the venture, president of Odia Samaj Sidhartha Pradhan said: "The exposition, which is the first-of-its-kind presentation to showcase the culture of Odisha, has been organised to bring to the fore many unknown and lesser known facts about Odisha before the Delhi audience. It will also throw light on ancient civilization and the indomitable spirit of Odias."

Union minister for defence and finance and minister of corporate affairs Arun Jaitley inaugurated the event in the presence of Supreme Court judge Dipak Misra and minister of state for petroleum and natural gas Dharmendra Pradhan.

The exhibition titled Atma Shakti guided the visitors through the history of ancient civilizations in Odisha.

It also provided displays and narrations to help the visitors to learn about the progress of these ancient civilizations over the centuries, including the mighty Kalinga Empire.

"The panels and exhibits describe the resurrection of the state and Odias gaining separate statehood in 1936. The narration will inform the visitors about the treasure of mineral wealth, flora and fauna to the modern day giant industries and oil refineries in the state. It will provide a glimpse of the potentials of a resurgent Odisha," said Pradhan.