Odisha hosts carnival on World Tourism Day

Odisha Channel Bureau Bhubaneswar: A colourful carnival was organised by Odisha Tourism and Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Association of India (FHRAI) here today to commemorate the World Tourism Day.The carnival was flagged off by Odisha Governor S.C.Jamir on the third and concluding day of the golden jubilee convention of FHRAI.The unique World Tourism Day Carnival kick-started in the morning at 8 am enthralling thousands of spectators including top echelons of the hospitality industry and stakeholders associated with the industry.The carnival process was led by Bikers groups on luxury bikes followed by vintage cars.Bollywood diva Mahima Choudhry rode pillion on one of the lead bikes in the procession.The colourful extravaganza comprised of 8 floats or tableaux exclusively designed for the carnival on different themes.Of the 8 floats, the World Tourism float led the carnival procession followed by Odisha Tourism float displaying different tourist destinations in the state and FHRAI’s own float exhibiting the apex organisation of all the leading regional hotel associations of India.The float on Buddhism was very impressive and drew wide applause from all the delegates from across India as well as abroad.The other floats include one showcasing wildlife treasures, and another float showcasing various handicraft products of India.Musical bands of Indian Navy, Odisha police along with dance troupes from Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Uttarakhand, West Bengal and Jharkhand brought cheers among the spectators.Popular instruments like Sankha, Ghanta, Dulduli and dance forms Ranappa, Odissi, Ghumura, Mask Dance, tribal dance forms left the spectators spellbound.Famous Naga Medha, Durga Medha, Ravana Medha, different types of animal dances along with a spade of tribal dances from Sundargarh, Koraput, Kandhamal and neighbouring state Jharkhand, Chhau dance, very popular Ghoda Nacha of Odisha were part of the visual treat at the carnival.Hundreds of students in colourful attires from different educational institutions, hotel management institutions, and rock band show by Sai International School students and KIIS students made the carnival a successful one. Speaking on the unique carnival Convention Technical Committee Chairman Debashish Pattnaik, who played a vital role in conceptualisation and execution of the carnival said, “This unique World Tourism Day Carnival was planned to showcase rich culture and heritage as well as popular tourist destinations in the state.Simultaneously famous tourist destinations in India and worldwide along with dance forms from different parts of India was showcased to mark the World Tourism Day.“We are happy that this was made possible for the first time during the FHRAI’s Golden Jubilee Convention at Bhubaneswar wherein hundreds of hospitality sector stakeholders have gathered at the city.Certainly this Carnival will popularise Odisha’s rich heritage and culture at the world stage,” he added.