Sona Mohapatra celebrates Odisha’s artistic heritage on Utkal Diwas
MUMBAI — Singer Sona Mohapatra marked Utkal Diwas by paying tribute to her roots in Odisha, highlighting the state’s rich artistic traditions and cultural legacy.
Taking to Instagram, Mohapatra shared reflections and glimpses from Raghurajpur, a well-known crafts village recognized for preserving traditional art forms. She described it as a place where “art is not curated, it is inherited,” emphasizing how creativity is embedded in everyday life.
“This is Raghurajpur, an artist village in my state where art is not curated, it is inherited. I come from this land where art is not a profession… it is prayer,” she wrote.
She noted that nearly every home in the village functions as an atelier, with many residents being nationally recognized artists who carry forward centuries-old traditions.
“Every home in this village, an atelier. Also national award winner. Every artist, a custodian of centuries,” she added.
Expressing pride in her heritage, Mohapatra said she comes from a land where art is not merely a profession but a form of devotion, shaped by discipline and deep cultural roots.
“On Utkal Diwas, I bow to my roots in Odisha… We don’t follow aesthetics. We are the aesthetic,” she wrote.
Utkal Diwas, also known as Odisha Day, is observed on April 1 to mark the formation of the state of Odisha in 1936, when it was carved out as a separate province.
Mohapatra began her career in the music industry through advertising before releasing her debut album, “Sona,” in 2007. The album blended multiple genres, including rock, rhythm and blues, Flamenco, Hindustani, Baul, and Romani music.
In 2009, she released the singles “Diljale” and “Paas Aao Na.” She later gained wider recognition with songs such as “Bedardi Raja” from the film “Delhi Belly,” produced by Aamir Khan, in which she also made a cameo appearance.
She has also performed theme songs including “Mujhe Kya Bechega Rupaiya” and “Ghar Yaad Aata Hai Mujhe” for the television show “Satyamev Jayate.” (Source: IANS)
