a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Odias in Nigeria celebrate Raja
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Rourkela: Odia Samaj Association of Nigeria (OSAN) celebrated Raja with great enthusiasm on Sunday in Lagos's Ilupeju area, with Indian consul general Chandramouli Kumar Kern as chief guest.
Around 250 families from the 350-strong Odia community gathered for the celebrations, showcasing their cultural heritage through games, food, and festivities. Young women and girls, dressed in new attire, participated in henna application, swing rides, and games.
The event featured an array of homemade Odia delicacies like poda pitha, arisha, kakara, enduri, and chakuli, accompanied by Raja mitha pana. "OSAN is committed to promoting Shree Jagannatha Sanskriti among both Indian communities and African citizens," said Satya Narayan Patra, general secretary of OSAN.
He highlighted the organisation's achievement in constructing a temple for Chaturdha Murty in 2017, which now serves as a cultural centre with a permanent priest conducting daily rituals.
The celebration was organised under the leadership of OSAN president Prasanta Kumar Das, vice-president Anant Kumar Sabat, and cultural secretary Biswaranjan Ray.
OSAN celebrated Snana Purnima on June 11 and is now preparing for Rath Yatra on June 27 and Bahuda Yatra on July 5. The organisation has been organizing Rath Yatra since 2005, maintaining a strong connection with their cultural roots in Nigeria.
