Agartala, Tripura, 21.07.2025: No matter where an Odia may reside—within India or abroad—their spiritual and cultural identity remains deeply rooted in the devotion to Lord Shri Jagannath. This sentiment echoed powerfully on the evening of July 20th in Agartala, the capital of Tripura, where the Odia community of Tripura hosted a special screening of the recently released Odia film “Shri Jagannathanka Nabakalebara” at the renowned multi-screen Roopasi Cinema, specifically in Audi-4.

Organized by the Odia Samaj Tripura, the event brought together nearly 200 Odia individuals, many of whom have long been settled in different regions of Tripura or work in the surrounding tea estates. The film screening began at 5:30 PM and captivated the audience until approximately 7:50 PM, drawing heartfelt reactions and resonating deeply with those far from their native Odisha.

For these Odias, living thousands of kilometers away from their homeland, the cinematic portrayal of Lord Jagannath’s sacred Nabakalebara (the ceremonial rebirth of deities) felt like a spiritual homecoming—a divine glimpse through the silver screen. The Odia Samaj Tripura made the event even more inclusive by offering free tickets to many families residing and working in tea gardens in remote areas like Durga Bari, Simna, and Dharmatilla, allowing even the most economically disadvantaged Odias to experience this cultural offering.

What stood out during the screening was the recurring echo of “Jai Jagannath” that reverberated throughout the auditorium, creating a divine atmosphere akin to being in a temple. The audience was visibly moved by the film’s emotionally rich content and compelling performances, especially by actors like Biswa Mohanty, Uma Rao, and Gul Naz, who brought the sacred narrative to life.

Beyond mere entertainment, the film rekindled a sense of cultural pride and unity among the Odia diaspora. For many, it wasn’t just a movie but a celebration of heritage, faith, and belonging. The event marked not only a successful cultural outreach but also a spiritual recharge for a community striving to maintain its identity far from home.

The Odia Samaj Tripura earned heartfelt appreciation from the attendees for organizing such a meaningful and emotional event. This initiative reaffirmed the power of cinema in uniting communities and preserving cultural roots, no matter how far from their place of origin.