Bhubaneswar: Odisha Society of the Americas (OSA), southern chapter, celebrated Kumar Purnima at Nolensville Historical Society, Nashville, recently, drawing more than 110 members from 30 families across Tennessee and Alabama.The seven-hour celebration featured rituals, cultural performances, food, games, prize distribution and the official launch of the chapter’s new logo and website. Venue decorations included a Kumar Purnima-themed backdrop and cut-outs of Konark chakra and Odissi dancers. “Celebrating at home nourishes individual faith but organising a large-scale Kumar Purnima event nourishes the entire ecosystem of the Odia diaspora,” said Gautam Giri, president of OSA, southern chapter.Members Jayanti Sahoo, Mamata Mishra and Gayatri Voona organised chanda puja with young girls offering ‘chanda chakata’, fresh fruits and flowers to goddess Lakshmi and praying to the moon while singing ‘Kumara Punhei Janha Lo Phula Baula Beni’. Bijayini Panda, a member, designed and brought Tulasi Chaura used during the rituals.The cultural programme included 11 individual performances by children, covering vocals, classical dance and instrumental recitals. Younger participants staged the play ‘Tuaan Tuiin’, directed by ex-president Mousumi Swain. The programme also featured the comedy drama ‘Mu Janini’, directed by Pravi Pradhan, and the devotional drama ‘Debasena Murugan’, directed by Manas Ranjan Panda.Participants played Nattis, Nashville Odia’s signature card game, coordinated by Sujit Dash and Srinibas Das. Puri, harada dali, ghee rice, shahi paneer, mixed vegetable, tomato khajuri khata, dahi boondi and papad, without onion or garlic, malpua, samosa, cookies, chips and tea were served to the members.Senior members Radhakanta Mishra and Panchanan Satpathy gave away the prizes and appreciation certificates. Satpathy, Nalini Patnaik and Siddharth Mishra were felicitated for their contributions to OSA.The event followed three months of preparation led by Giri, Swain, vice-president Jasmin Mishra, secretary Lopamudra Hati and treasurer Srinibas Das. “The effort turns a single day on the calendar into a memorable cultural anchor for youth, a joyful reunion for adults, and a living tribute to Odia heritage,” said Giri.