From Koraput to London: Odia Women Keep Cultural Roots Alive Through Dance
In a remarkable journey spanning continents, a dedicated group of Odia women is demonstrating that geographical distance cannot sever the deep connection to one's cultural heritage. Through the powerful mediums of rhythm, movement, and heartfelt emotion, the collective known as Labangalata – NrutyaVibes is successfully transporting the vibrant spirit of Odisha to audiences thousands of miles away from their homeland.
Humble Beginnings to a Flourishing Collective
What originated nearly two years ago as a simple gathering of six friends united by a shared passion for dance has blossomed into a robust collective comprising fourteen dedicated members. Initially, none of these women possessed any formal stage experience, and the prospect of performing before large crowds seemed like an insurmountable challenge. However, through unwavering commitment to regular practice, the strength of their friendship, and cherished memories of home, a shared dream gradually took shape. This dream centered on performing together to celebrate and affirm their identity as Odias living abroad.
The Heart of the Journey: Sabita Pradhan's Story
At the core of this inspiring narrative is Sabita Pradhan, whose life epitomizes determination and profound cultural pride. Born in Machkund within the Koraput district—a region celebrated for its stunning natural landscapes, including the famous Duduma Waterfalls—she was raised in the KBK region encompassing Kalahandi, Bolangir, and Koraput. These areas, while historically facing economic hardships, are immensely rich in cultural traditions and strong community values.
Sabita's journey away from home began at the tender age of ten when she left to attend a boarding school, setting her on a path that would eventually lead her across continents. She completed her +2 education at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Koraput before pursuing a degree in Engineering with a specialization in Electronics and Instrumentation at GIET in Gunupur. Following a stint working in Hyderabad, she relocated to the United Kingdom approximately nine years ago.
Today, Sabita holds a position in sales and pre-sales at an enterprise architecture company, where she has been employed for the past seven years. Despite her demanding professional career, dance has perpetually remained a central passion in her life. "Dhemsa, the soul of Koraput, is not just a dance for me. It is an integral part of my home and my identity," Sabita explains. "It serves as a powerful medium to express a spectrum of emotions—joy, nostalgia, and even the deep longing for home."
Formation and Growth of Labangalata – NrutyaVibes
While residing in the UK, Sabita connected with other Odia women who shared an identical love for their culture and the art of dance. What commenced as informal, friendly gatherings soon evolved into a coordinated collective effort aimed at celebrating and promoting Odisha's diverse traditions on foreign soil. This collective formally became known as Labangalata – NrutyaVibes.
The group's first significant stage appearance occurred during the Bali Jatra 2025 celebrations in the United Kingdom, an event inspired by Odisha's historic maritime festival. For every member, this was far more than a mere performance; it represented a pivotal moment of courage and immense pride—the first tangible realization of their shared dream on a public platform. The audience's response was overwhelmingly positive, rapidly earning the group recognition and appreciation within the Odia community across the UK.
Expanding Reach Through Major Cultural Events
Since that breakthrough performance, Labangalata – NrutyaVibes has graced the stage at numerous prestigious cultural events. Their repertoire includes performances during Utkal Diwas celebrations, grand Diwali festivities at London's iconic Trafalgar Square, various Durga Puja cultural events, India's Independence Day celebrations hosted by the High Commission of India, and the subsequent Bali Jatra 2026 celebrations. Through these engagements, the group has not only entertained diverse audiences but has also played a crucial role in strengthening the cultural identity and cohesion of the Odia diaspora living far from their ancestral home.
The Strength in Diversity and Collaboration
The true strength of Labangalata – NrutyaVibes lies in the remarkable diversity and dedication of its members. Alongside founder Sabita Pradhan, the female contingent includes talented individuals such as Swagatika Tripathy, Punyatoya Panda, Susmita Kumari, Smruti Dash, Soumya Tripathy, and Durgesh Dash, each bringing unique creativity and unwavering commitment to the collective.
Furthermore, the group proudly includes male performers Minaketan Panda, Sitansu Sahoo, Surjit Panda, Aditya Mishra, Neelkant Dwibedi, and Dilip Mallick—all of whom are senior IT professionals who generously devote their time and energy to these cultural performances. Together, they champion a simple yet profound message: culture endures and thrives when people actively keep it alive in their hearts, regardless of where they reside in the world.
A Tribute to Home and Acknowledgment of Support
For Sabita and her fellow dancers, the dance group serves as a constant, heartfelt reminder of home and stands as a vibrant tribute to Odisha's rich traditions. The collective also extends sincere gratitude to Surjit Panda, who manages their Instagram presence under the handle @labangalata_nrutyavibes and skillfully captures their performances as the group's photographer. They deeply acknowledge the unwavering support of their families and their appreciative audiences, whose continuous encouragement serves as a major source of inspiration.
As Labangalata – NrutyaVibes continues to perform across various venues in the UK, each deliberate step taken on stage resonates with the echoes of Odisha's flowing rivers, rolling hills, and vibrant festivals. Their efforts ensure that the indomitable cultural spirit of their beloved homeland travels far beyond its geographical borders, fostering connection and pride within the global diaspora.
