Bhubaneswar: The Odia diaspora presented a Bali Yatra-themed tableau at the India Day Parade in New York on Sunday, showcasing Odisha’s ancient maritime legacy on one of the world’s biggest stages. The tableau also showcased the colourful Pipili chandua and Dhemsa dance at the parade organised by Federation of Indian Associations (FIA).“By selecting a Bali Yatra theme float in New York City, we want to show that Odisha has a trade game that is thousands of years old. Showcasing it with Pipili chandua and Dhemsa dance is in sync with this year’s parade theme of ‘Harmony in Heritage’,” said Nilasundar Jena, president of NYNJPA chapter of Odisha Society of the Americas (OSA).The tableau that rolled around 1 mile from 38th Street to 27th Street on Madison Avenue was 15ft in length, 4ft in width and 6ft in height and took approximately 2 months to build. The wooden boat was designed and built by Suryakant Rath, an IT professional, who was supported by volunteers.The community has been explaining about the significance of the tableau through social media and various India-based organisations. “There is a saying that the world notices when it happens in New York. We will continue to spread positive messages about Odisha through these initiatives,” said Jena. The chandua was procured from Pipili and Dhemsa was performed by 14 dancers alongside the float and on a stage after the parade ended. The dancers have been practising for two months for this parade.The event was also a way to inculcate Odisha and Odia culture in the second-generation of Odia expats in US. “It’s definitely a hard task and easier said than done. In a fast-moving environment, staying connected to the roots is difficult. Recently, the Odisha Society of the Americas has launched various initiatives to engage the Gen Z with Odisha and its culture,” he added.