Bhubaneswar: Odisha has something to cheer about this Republic Day. Though the state-designed tableau was rejected by the Ministry of Defence, a bit of Odia culture has managed to find space in the ceremonial parade of 69^th Republic Day in New Delhi.

While there were tableau from different states of India, representing the diverse vibrant melting pot of cultures that India is, one of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) tableaus that represented education and trade showcased the ancient maritime history of Odisha, when Odias set sail overseas for trade and commerce.

Picture courtesy: Twitter/ @_AnsumanRath

Odisha was instrumental in developing a trade relationship with countries such as Bali, Java, Sumatra and other south east Asian countries. So it is not surprising that the ASEAN tableau commemorated this cultural exchange and showcased Bali Jatra and added a replica of a boita, complete with dressed up traders from erstwhile state of Kalinga, while Odia women performed the famed Boita Bandaana i.e. the traditional casting off of the ships.

India is currently hosting 10 leaders of ASEAN countries as guests of honour in the Republic Day celebrations in India capital.