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An enrichening experience both ways
Leaving home is a decision not taken easily. But if the new city welcomes you with open arms, there?s no looking back. That?s the case for the Oriya community in the city. Several people from Orissa migrated to Lucknow at the time of Partition. They have since, adopted the dialect of the people here, food habits, culture and traditions.
Leaving home is a decision not taken easily. But if the new city welcomes you with open arms, there’s no looking back. That’s the case for the Oriya community in the city. Several people from Orissa migrated to Lucknow at the time of Partition. They have since, adopted the dialect of the people here, food habits, culture and traditions.
The Oriya Samaj was registered as a society in 1994 in Lucknow. It celebrates all the major Odissi festivals. There are about 10,000 Oriya citizens in Lucknow.
Talking about Lucknow, GB Patnaik, an active member of the Oriya Samaj and an officer of the UP Government says, “Lucknow is a home away from home for us.
The city has treated us well. On a personal level, I feel that by being in Lucknow or rather being away from Orissa has taught me how to be tolerant towards other cultures and societies. Now, I am able to accept as well as appreciate other cultures. Lucknow being a culturally rich and diverse city has enriched me in a personal way.”
He adds, “But similarly, Oriyas have also enriched the city in some way or the other. Like, for example, on every Oriya Day we have some prominent Odissi dancer come to Lucknow for a special performance. I think both cultures have been enriched.”
Talk to the Oriya people about food and cuisine and their faces glow up. DR Sahu, reader at Lucknow University says, “We have very simple but special food on festivals. One particular dish that we usually make on special occasions is Pakhala Bhath which is rice with water. People back in Orissa relish this dish because it is cool and goes well with Orissa’s climate. Apart from this, we also make Peetha—rice pancakes.”
Another food lover says, “I like Odissi food but now. after staying in Lucknow I have become fond of Mughlai.”
The Oriya population in Lucknow celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi and Saraswati Puja with great gusto. They also celebrate Orissa Day on April 1 every year. On this day, the State of Orissa was reorganised. “Our festivals are less religious and more cultural,” says a member of the Oriya Samaj.
The Oriya Samaj has also given Lucknow plenty to be proud of too. Keluchand Mahapatra, the prominent Odissi dancer gave his last performance in Lucknow… and, that’s just one example. Lucknow has grown on the Oriyas even as the latter have grown on Lucknow.
