Kuwait Odisha Association (KOA), a socio-cultural body registered with Indian Embassy Kuwait since 1989, celebrated the “Utkal Divas” on 09th May 2025 on the eve of ODISHA FOUNDATION DAY (1st April 1936) commemoration, in the auditorium of IBS School, Fahaheel, Kuwait.
Mr. Dev Mohanty, most coveted dignitary of Odias in Kuwait and the Middle East, graced the occasion as Chief Guest, joined by Guests of Honor from various fraternities & other dignitaries for Deepa Prajwalana. The Deepa Prajwalana ceremony, combined with the playing of shlokas in the background, brought a serene atmosphere.
KOA President Mr. Umesh Panda, in his opening remark, remembered the early days of Odisha State and recollected the glorious past of the great land called The Kalinga and its traditions.
Chief Guest Dr. Dev Mohanty addressed the gathering with his sweet speech while encouraging and motivating the people of Odisha in Kuwait.
Many Guests of Honor in their key addresses expressed their gratitude to KOA for its contribution in keeping up Odisha’s glorious culture in the faraway country of Kuwait.
Then the podium was graced by the opening song “BANDE UTKAL JANANI” by our own Odia people in Kuwait. This was followed by beautiful Odissi, classical & semi-classical dance forms performed by our own Odia kids, followed by many scintillating local cultural programs performed by our Odia kids and ladies. All these dance events were choreographed by our own Odia ladies and kids. The dance items were pleasant, and the audience enjoyed them fully.
Some of the traditional dance forms from Odisha presented on this occasion included:
PAIKA, SAMBALPURI, CHAITI GHODA, DHEMSA, BAGHA NACHA, GHUMRA, CHHAU etc.
A colorful souvenir KOA Smaranika 2025, edited by Mr. Santosh Mishra & Mr. Sunil Panigrahi, with a beautiful cover page designed by Mr. Santosh Mishra, was released. It included encouraging & motivating messages from the Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Dr. Adarsh Swaika, KOA President Mr. Umesh Panda & KOA General Secretary Mr. Satyabrata Sutar. It also contained many Odia articles by our Odia people staying in Kuwait and photos of various events conducted by KOA during the year 2024-2025, capturing the literary talents of Odias in Kuwait.
KOA felicitated the veteran Mr. Sunil Panigrahi and the young Mr. Manas Ranjan Panda for their selfless services to the KOA community over many years.
The famous Ollywood singers from Odisha, Ms. Lopamudra Das & Mr. Bishnu Mohan Kabi, the stars of Odisha’s cine industry, graced the occasion on the eve of Utkal Diwas. They performed beautifully with their own composed songs and some amazing songs from Ollywood & Bollywood. During their solo and duet performances, they inspired all local Odias to come to the dais and dance with them. The interactive sessions between the singers and audience were savored by every Odia present inside the hall.
The stage was proficiently managed by Mr. Girija Padhy, Mrs. Manaswini Goth, Mrs. Sagarika Samantaray & Mr. Nihar Bedbak, supported by Mrs. Minoo Padhy, Mrs. Mamta Sahoo, Mrs. Rashmita Tripathy, Mrs. Arpita Bedbak backstage.
Stage Program AV coordination was superbly managed by Mr. Manas Ranjan Panda.
Mr. Akshaya Sahu coordinated & supervised the snacks and dinner distribution activities effectively.
Mr. Girija Panda, Mr. Akshaya Pradhan, Mr. Kamal Lochan Beuria, Mr. Sunil Panigrahi, Mr. Tushar Mishra, Mr. Rakesh Rout, Mr. Umesh Basantia & Volunteers extended their backend support for smooth functioning of the program.
The function concluded with a vote of thanks by KOA General Secretary, Mr. Satyabrata Sutar, followed by a dinner comprising delicious food and sweets prepared by the famous restaurant known for their authentic Indian food, The Mughal Mahal in Kuwait.