- Huge interest from Southeast Asian nations, followed by Gulf countries and Europe
- Government of Odisha expects 3,500 NRIs from 50 countries
- NRIs of Kerala, Maharashtra and UP dominate the registration pool along with Odisha
Bhubaneswar: The number of participants for the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention has witnessed a sharp rise with only a few days left for the three-day convention at Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
The daily registration number has surged to more than 150 in the last couple of days, compared to 40-50 requests a week ago, as per data shared by officials from the Department of Home, Government of Odisha.
The Government of Odisha has set a target of attracting 3,500 non-resident Indians (NRIs) from around 50 nations for the convention that starts on January 9. The total attendees for the three-day conclave would be around 7,500, including local participation, according to a state government projection.
The registration requests to attend the event have predominantly come from Indian residents of Southeast Asian nations, followed by Gulf countries and Europe. Participants from more than 30 countries have shown interest in attending the biennial event at the state capital.
Odisha has a 482-km-long coastline facing Southeast Asia. With its maiden attempt to organise the NRI event, the Government of Odisha aims to attract large investment in different sectors such as tourism and port-based infrastructure development.
Among the interested NRIs, those from Kerala, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh dominate, alongside a significant number from Odisha itself.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), ever since its inception in 2003 during the prime ministership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, has been hosted by cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Chennai, Varanasi, Bengaluru, and Indore, along with a virtual mode convention in 2021.
Bhubaneswar is hosting the flagship event for the first time in its 2025 edition. The city civic authority, along with key departments of the state government, has planned several events coinciding with the conclave, such as a night flea market, an Adivasi fair, and a food festival.
The rising interest of NRI participation for the upcoming event is also reflected in increased cab and hotel bookings for key tourist destinations of Puri and Konark.
“The majority of our tour and travel partners have confirmed increased cab and vacation stay bookings during the convention period. The numbers will only rise as the convention day nears,” said Gagan Sarangi, Chairman, Odisha chapter of Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO).
The 18th PBD Conclave in Odisha perfectly aligns with the Government of India’s ‘Act East Policy,’ which aims to boost economic activity in India’s eastern regions by showcasing their investment potentials.
The convention will kick off with the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on January 8. The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will be inaugurated on the second day by the Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The convention will culminate with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awards ceremony on the third day. Honourable President of India Shrimati Droupadi Murmu will grace the occasion and deliver a valedictory address.
Charm of Odisha: Jewel of East India
Situated on the eastern coast of India, Odisha is a cultural, historical, and scenic treasure trove. Odisha, also referred to as the “Soul of Incredible India,” enthrals tourists from all over the world with its ideal fusion of colourful customs, historic legacy, and breathtaking scenery.
The UNESCO-listed Konark Sun Temple, an architectural wonder displaying the region’s rich cultural tradition, is one of Odisha’s crown jewels. Another important location is Puri, which attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists annually and is the site of the famous Rath Yatra event and the landmark Jagannath Temple. Calm beaches like Chandrabhaga, Gopalpur, and Puri Beach, which are perfect for leisure and exploration, complement these spiritual centres.
Discover the many habitats of Odisha, such as the Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon and a refuge for migrating birds. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Simlipal National Park provides exciting wildlife encounters with rare vegetation, elephants, and tigers. Daringbadi, sometimes known as the “Kashmir of Odisha,” is one of the state’s charming hill towns.
Odisha’s tourism attractiveness is enhanced by its rich tribal culture and traditional handicrafts, including Sambalpuri fabrics, stone carvings, and Pattachitra paintings. The state’s festive spirit and cultural diversity are on display during festivals like Durga Puja, Raja, and Chhau Dance performances.
Odisha is becoming a must-visit location for tourists looking for unique and genuine experiences because to enhanced infrastructure, ecotourism projects, and cultural development. The state welcomes tourists to discover its enduring charm and make lifelong memories.
To know more, click here: https://pbdindia.gov.in/
Tags: Gagan Sarangi, Odisha, Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), Bhubaneswar, Odisha’s tourism
