Odisha Gears Up for Its First Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

Bhubaneswar, : Odisha is set to host its inaugural Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Conclave from January 8 to 10, generating excitement among the Indian diaspora worldwide. Registrations have surged dramatically in recent days, with over 150 participants signing up daily—triple last week’s numbers—highlighting the growing global interest in the event.

The state government aims to attract more than 3,500 Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) from over 50 countries, with total attendance, including local participants, expected to exceed 7,500.

Most international registrations have come from Southeast Asia, followed by the Gulf and Europe. Meanwhile, domestic delegates from states such as Kerala, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha form a significant part of the attendee list. Odisha’s strategic location along a 482-km coastline facing Southeast Asia has bolstered its positioning as a hub for economic and cultural collaboration.

This 18th edition of the PBD Conclave marks the first time Bhubaneswar is hosting the biennial event, which was launched in 2003 under the leadership of then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Previously held in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi, and Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar’s inclusion underscores Odisha’s rising importance in India’s economic and cultural arenas.

To further enrich the event experience, Odisha will host a Night Flea Market, an Adivasi Fair, and a Food Festival, showcasing the state’s vibrant cultural heritage. Tourism is also receiving a significant boost, with popular destinations like Puri and Konark witnessing a surge in bookings.

“Tour operators are seeing high demand, and the numbers are expected to climb even higher in the coming days,” said Gagan Sarangi, Chairman of the Odisha chapter of the Indian Association of Tour Operators.

The conclave complements India’s ‘Act East Policy,’ solidifying Odisha’s role as a gateway for investments and partnerships in the eastern corridor. Highlights include a Youth PBD session on January 8, the formal inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 9, and a valedictory address by President Droupadi Murmu on January 10.

With its blend of cultural celebrations and strategic significance, Odisha’s first PBD Conclave promises to be a landmark event for both the state and the Indian diaspora.