A Brief History of Arohana

Arohana, a beacon of Odia theatre, has been illuminating the cultural landscape of Bhubaneswar and Odisha since its inception in 1990. Founded by a group of passionate theatre enthusiasts, the organization was born out of a desire to preserve, promote, and innovate within the rich tradition of Odia drama.

Key Milestones:

1. 1990: Establishment of Arohana as a cultural organization dedicated to Odia theatre.
2. 2001: Officially registered under the Registration of Societies Act XXI of 1860, marking a significant step in its formalization and growth.
3. Early 2000s: Launched the Nikhila Utkal Natyotsaba, which would become an annual celebration of Odia theatre, inviting participation from across the state.
4. Mid-2000s: Introduced Children Drama Festivals and Women Drama Festivals, expanding the scope of theatrical engagement and nurturing diverse talents.
5. 2010s: Established the Arohana awards – including the Lifetime Achievement Award, Best Theatre Artist Award, and Emerging Theatre Artist Award – to recognize excellence in Odia theatre.
6. 2019: Represented Odisha at the ODISHA DAY celebrations in Tamil Nadu, performing the devotional drama “BHAKTA SALEBEGA” in Chennai.
7. 2020-2021: Adapted to the challenges of the global pandemic by organizing virtual workshops and eventually returning to live performances with safety measures in place.
8. 2024: Participated in the 25th Anniversary Bharat Rang Mahotsav, showcasing Odia theatre on a national platform.

Throughout its journey, Arohana has remained committed to its founding principles of promoting social awareness, developing Odia cultural heritage, and providing a platform for artists across various disciplines. Under the guidance of eminent playwrights, actors, and directors, Arohana has consistently strived to elevate Odia theatre, blending traditional forms with contemporary themes and techniques.

Today, Arohana stands as a testament to the enduring power of theatre and its ability to inspire, educate, and unite communities through the art of storytelling.