Bhubaneswar, Nov. 20: They live miles away from their native state, but do not leave any opportunity to celebrate festivals as it is the only way to stay "connected to the roots".
The Odia society in Georgia, USA, got together to celebrate the festive season by organising cultural programmes on the occasions of Dussehra and Diwali. Odia festivals such as Kumar Utsav and Bali yatra are celebrated with equal gusto.
Like everywhere, the celebrations are never complete without treating the taste buds to some authentic Odia delicacies.
Though most of the major festivals such as Dussehra, Diwali and Kumar Utsav have already been observed here in the country, the non-resident Odias had a delayed celebrations in Georgia.
They all met up this week taking out time for the community festivities that are dear to each of them.
"I have come here recently and feel homesick. Thankfully the Odia society here has come to my rescue. There are people of all generations living here. So, I not only got a chance to converse in Odia to my heart's content, but also satiated my gastronomical urges. I ate dalma and santula - something that was missing very much - at Odia homes. It felt so much at home," said Gayatri Swain speaking over phone.
Swain was the anchor for the celebration hosted in Atlanta on Sunday.
At the community event, too, they hosted a potluck where there were typical Odia delicacies such as besara, santula, dalma, khiri, machha jhola and maansa kassa among other dishes.
Around 100 families participated in this celebration where people of all ages enjoyed Odissi and Sambalpuri dance performances, especially on the famous Rangabati rangabati, Bollywood popular songs. All the performances were done by members of the society.
"We had a great time. We felt so much at home. These events help us stay connected," said Kunmum Mishra, another member of the Georgia Odia Society.
While the community members celebrate rath yatra every year, this festival is another major event in the society's calendar.
They are also planning to host a Boita Bandana event shortly since the festival, which is observed to celebrate the state's glorious maritime history, will be observed next Wednesday here in Odisha.
