After our training in the Indian Navy, a “Moon Night Picnic” was organized for about 200 sailors of our batch. On a secluded beach far from the public eye, the celebration lasted all night to the rhythm of drumbeats and crashing waves. Boys from every state in India had gathered that day. The “Officer of the Night” announced that everyone should sing songs in their own mother tongue. Beautiful songs in Malayalam, Tamil, Punjabi, Telugu, Bhojpuri, and Bengali began to fill the air.
When it was the Odias’ turn, we sent forward a sailor from Balasore who sang beautifully, and we surrounded him, clapping to the rhythm. He began: “He Rangabati re Rangabati… Rangabati Rangabati Kanaka Lata, Hasi pade kahalo katha.” The atmosphere changed completely. The beach vibrated with shouts of “Once more! Once more!” Not just that day, but for years to come, boys of all languages began humming “Rangabati.” Whenever they saw us Odias, a smile would light up their faces and the tune of Rangabati would escape their lips. Imagine how many young men like us walked with chests puffed with pride for our Odia art and culture that day.
Recently, I saw photos of the wedding of a Telugu friend’s son who lives in America. Even while living in the USA, they conducted the wedding entirely according to Telugu traditions and proudly posted photos on Facebook. Seeing the indoor scenes—flowers kept in baskets, turmeric being ground on a traditional stone slab (Shila), pulses being ground in a stone grinder (Pesa), and colorful Muruj (rangoli)—it felt so heartwarming, as if it were a neighbour’s house.
However, with changing times and the influence of media—TV serials, Bollywood films, and the internet—many Odias have adopted the so called “modern” wedding styles, attracted by the cultures of other states and the West. The Odia youth, in particular, accept these new methods as symbols of fashion and modernity.
As a result:
• ‘Ring Ceremonies’ and ‘Cake Cutting’ have replaced traditional engagements (Nirbandha).
• Words like Swikara, Baradhara, Manguli, or Mangalapaga are fading away.
• ‘Pre-wedding shoots’, ‘Haldi’, ‘Mehendi’, ‘Sangeet’, and ‘Destination Weddings’ are becoming the norm.
Previously, the bride and groom wore simple, traditional Odia attire like red/yellow sarees and dhotis. Now, these are replaced by Lehengas, Sherwanis, and Gowns, which do not represent Odia culture. Instead of traditional Odia cuisine, the focus has shifted to multi-cuisine buffet systems and modern decor. Chita (traditional art) is no longer seen on house walls, and the sound of Bahuna (traditional lamentation songs) is no longer heard. Even before the father leaves the Vedi (altar), the bride and groom are jumping off to pose for photoshoots!
The Loss of Identity
Cultural imitation is not always bad. But when it makes one completely forget their own roots, it has a negative impact on society. One can embrace modernity while maintaining their original traditions.
If cultural imitation is so welcome for us Odias, why is it that even after looking closely, I don’t see a single scent or sign of my traditions in the weddings of our neighbours like Bengalis, Telugus, Tamils, or Malayalis? Does it mean my tradition is so inferior that I must adopt others’ customs to be modern?
The biggest impact is that the foundation of Odia tradition is disappearing. The historical and spiritual significance of wedding rituals is gradually declining. In Odia culture, a wedding is not just the union of two souls, but a great festival of cultural exchange between two families and communities.
A Call to Action
The culture and tradition of the Odia race are not just ornaments of the past; they are guides for the present and inspiration for the future. In an era of globalization where local cultures are being blurred, the need to preserve one’s identity has multiplied. It is the duty of every Odia to:
• Take pride in our heritage.
• Use the Odia language every day.
• Celebrate festivals with sincerity.
• And wear traditional attires on occasions
South Indians believe their tradition is “superior, unique, and ancient,” so they don’t prefer imitating other states. Their strong roots keep them attached to their traditional attire, classical dance, music, and food. Similarly, Bengalis are fiercely proud of their wedding rituals. Has their tradition ever stopped them from being modern?
The question remains: If no other race is imitating my traditions, why should we take pride in stealing others’ traditions? Those who consider their own culture inferior due to an inferiority complex are the ones who flaunt borrowed customs. To an observer, it is a matter of shame.
Culture is the backbone of a nation; it reflects its values and philosophy of life. If Odias forget their language, festivals, and lifestyle, the unique identity of the race is at risk of being lost. Our culture is our identity card.
Pramod Dhal
He is a social commentator, author, and wildlife photographer from Kendrapara, Odisha. His work focuses on judicial integrity, administrative reform, and citizens’ rights. He is the author of “The Birds of Orissa: A Pictorial Encyclopedia,” for which he received the Sambad Parivesh Samman Award. Contact: +91 7008810112.
