The Department of Tourism and Culture hosted the Oz Fest, the biggest Australian Cultural extravaganza by the Australian Government, at the Rajarani Temple here on Saturday.
Welcoming the Australian guests, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said, “Culture is a strong and important prospect which I believe can bring the people of two countries closer and open the vistas in different areas of cooperation to work together.”
Naveen said his Government is keen on exploring the possibilities of working together with the Australian government in different sectors for the development of the State.
Renowned Australian musician Mark Atkins marked the commencement of the programme by playing the didgeridoo, an indigenous musical instrument. He played an exotic tune on the indigenous instrument to the amazement of the audience.
Next came the much-awaited performance by renowned Australian aboriginal singer Gurrumul Yunupingu who sang in his soul-stirring voice about identity, life and connection. Despite the medium being aboriginal Australian, the crowd seemed to be soaked in the soulful voice of the visually-challenged singer.
Australian High Commissioner to India Peter Varghese, Deputy High Commissioner Lachlan Strahan, Tourism and Culture Minister Maheshwar Mohanty, Chief Secretary BK Pattnaik, Member of Parliament Prasanna Patsani and Tourism and Culture Secretary AK Tripathy were present.