New Delhi- New Delhi witnessed a moment of cultural pride as President Droupadi Murmu attended a special screening of the Odia film ‘Shri Jagannath Nka Nabakalebara’ at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre on Friday. The film offers a heartfelt portrayal of the sacred Nabakalebara ritual performed at the Jagannath Temple in Puri—an ancient ceremony that symbolizes the spiritual rebirth of Lord Jagannath and his divine siblings through the renewal of their wooden idols.
Directed by Soubhagyalaxmi Jena, the film delves into the origins, mysticism, and profound cultural resonance of this centuries-old tradition. Its visually rich and spiritually moving narrative has struck a chord with devotees and cultural historians alike. The screening was graced by members of the cast and crew, bringing a personal and celebratory atmosphere to the occasion.
A social media post from the President’s office on platform X highlighted the film’s commitment to authenticity and praised its role in preserving Odisha’s ritualistic traditions for future generations. President Murmu’s presence at the screening added significant national visibility to the film and underscored the importance of regional stories in India’s cultural discourse.
The film is set to be publicly released today at 5 PM at Saket DLF Mall, followed by a press conference with the director and producer. It is expected to resonate strongly with audiences for its deep spiritual theme, reverence for tradition, and cinematic tribute to Odisha’s cultural identity.
