Amresh Mishra (ଅମ୍ରେଶ୍ ମିଶ୍ର)

There is a bigger cultural issue that we Odias need to understand. Look at Dhanteras and Bol Bam. Over the years, these practices have become so normalised in Odisha that many people no longer even question whether they were originally part of our traditional Odia culture. Now look at Dandiya, Chhath Puja and Sindoor Khela. These are relatively new phenomena in Odisha, and many Odias are questioning their growing presence today. But think about what happens next. The children being born today will grow up watching these celebrations every year. Twenty years from now, they may believe these have always been part of Odia culture. Nobody will question their origins anymore. It's similar to what happened during the Mughal period when Hindu families converted to Islam. Generations later, their descendants grew up identifying as Muslims. Some may even believe their ancestral origins lie in Saudi Arabia, without knowing the actual history of their forefathers. And this is precisely what should concern us. New cultural practices are steadily finding space in Odisha, while our own traditional festivals, rituals and customs are increasingly pushed to the sidelines. The more attention, participation and public space these outside practices receive, the weaker the visibility and continuity of our own traditions can become. If we don't protect and promote our traditions today, tomorrow's generation may grow up celebrating everyone else's heritage while barely knowing their own. Jai Jagannath! Jai Kalinga! Jai Odisha!