Sambalpur: The Paschim Odisha Parivaar of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) organised the world’s biggest Prabasi Nuakhai Bhetghat at the auditorium of the Indian Consulate in Dubai. A record-breaking audience participated in the function clearly making it the largest Nuakhai Bhetghat ever organised on foreign soil.
The star attractions at this year’s celebrations were acclaimed Odissi dancer Saswat Joshi, actor and playwright Atal Bihari Panda, famous for his roles in ‘Sala Budha’ and ‘Aadim Vichar’ movies and a 12- member troupe of Sambalpur Kala Parishad, the pioneering cultural institution of Western Orissa.
The chief guest at Nuakhai Bhetghat UAE 2017 was Vipulji, consul general, Consulate General of India, Dubai. Prem Chand, consul (passport, attestation and community affairs and welfare), Kamal Kishore Gupta, chief operating officer, Global International Indian School were the guests of honour.
Vipulji said he was very happy to be celebrating Nuakhai with non-resident Oriyas of UAE. He recalled his own association with Western Orissa when he talked about working in Rourkela Steel Plant for a few months at the beginning of his career.
The inauguration set off a day-long cultural extravaganza. There were performances by resident Odias of UAE and their children. PNN
