In a significant cultural initiative, the city of Bhubaneswar officially inaugurated the ninth edition of its popular Ekamra Walks on Friday. The launch was strategically timed to coincide with the ongoing Indian Road Congress (IRC) event being held at the city's Janata Maidan.
A Collaborative Effort for Cultural Immersion
The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), working in close partnership with the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), is spearheading this project. Their primary goal is to provide both visiting IRC delegates and local residents with a deeply immersive experience of the city's unique character through a series of carefully planned thematic trails.
The special edition was officially flagged off by city mayor Sulochana Das and BDA vice-chairman Chanchal Rana at Janata Maidan. The presence of senior officials from both organizations underscored the importance of this cultural program for the city.
Showcasing Bhubaneswar's Rich Tapestry
Mayor Sulochana Das highlighted the perfect timing of the event, stating that the convergence of the IRC and Ekamra Walks presents a "golden opportunity for our city to showcase its rich heritage and culture to a diverse audience."
Echoing this sentiment, Chanchal Rana explained that the 9th edition of Ekamra Walks is designed to allow delegates and visitors from across India and abroad to experience the city's heritage, culture, nature, spirituality, art, and architecture firsthand.
The Ekamra Walks 2025-26 program features nine distinct thematic trails. A notable aspect of this year's edition is the integration of a Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) communication objective into each trail, as part of BMC's outreach initiative. These walks act as live platforms to foster civic pride and encourage positive behavioral change among participants.
Exploring the Thematic Trails
The curated trails offer diverse insights into Bhubaneswar's identity. Key highlights include:
- The Ekamra Heritage Walk: Guides participants through the sacred Ekamra Kshetra.
- The Dhauli Peace Walk: Traces the transformative journey of Emperor Ashoka after the Kalinga war.
- Other immersive experiences like the 'Spiritual Sojourn', 'Mystical Odyssey', and 'Odia Literary Trail'.
- Engaging trails such as the 'Culture, Craft & Conversations Trail', 'Walk in Wilderness', and 'Jungle Safaris at Bharatpur'.
Schedule and Public Participation
The launch event on Friday saw enthusiastic participation from a diverse group of people of all ages who were taken on a heritage walk. While the special walk marked the beginning, the regular trails are scheduled to commence on November 15 and will continue to run until February 28 next year.
This extended schedule invites everyone to explore and celebrate the vibrant and enduring legacy of Bhubaneswar, making its cultural wealth accessible to all.
