Bhubaneswar, Nov 7: The 9th edition of Ekamra Walks, a flagship heritage initiative by the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) and Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), was launched today in sync with the Indian Road Congress (IRC) at Janata Maidan, officials said.

The event was flagged off by BMC Mayor Sulochana Das and BDA Vice-Chairman Chanchal Rana, with senior officials in attendance.

Nine Trails, One Message

This year’s edition introduces nine immersive trails blending heritage, ecology, spirituality, and civic responsibility. Each trail integrates Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) objectives, turning the walks into platforms for behavioural change and civic pride. Participants will take cleanliness pledges, receive SBM kits, and practice waste-free tourism.

Voices of Leadership

Mayor Sulochana Das highlighted the synergy between IRC and Ekamra Walks, calling it a golden opportunity to showcase Bhubaneswar’s cultural richness to national and international delegates. Vice-Chairman Chanchal Rana emphasized the walks’ role in promoting responsible tourism and heritage awareness.

Trail Highlights
1. Ekamra Heritage Walk – Tracing the Timeless Temples of Ekamra Kshetra
A guided tour through the sacred Ekamra Kshetra, covering Parasurameswar, Mukteswar, Ananta Basudeva, and Lingaraj Temples — a living gallery of Kalingan architecture.

SBM Integration: Participants begin with a Clean Heritage Pledge, linking temple purity with public cleanliness. Waste segregation and litter-free principles are reinforced through heritage storytelling.

2. Dhauli Peace Walk – From War to Wisdom
A reflective journey tracing Emperor Ashoka’s transformation after the Kalinga War, through the Ashokan Rock Edicts and Shanti Stupa at Dhauli.

SBM Integration: Participants take the Swachh Shanti Oath—“Clean Surroundings, Clear Mind”—aligning peace with responsibility for clean public spaces.

3. Spiritual Sojourn – Faiths in Harmony
An exploration of Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, Rajarani, and Bhaskareswar Temples, celebrating the confluence of Jainism, Buddhism, and Hinduism.

SBM Integration: The walk begins with a Swachh Faith Pledge, highlighting spiritual purity through clean temple precincts, refill stations, and zero-litter rituals.

4. Mystical Odyssey – Where the Divine Feminine Reigns
A deep dive into Bhubaneswar’s Shakti traditions through Baitala Deula, Chitrakarini, and Chausathi Yogini Temples — shrines dedicated to the Goddess in her myriad forms.

SBM Integration: The Swachh Shakti Message connects divine femininity with environmental stewardship — “Pure Goddess, Pure Earth.” Participants commit to waste-free practices and reusable kits.

5. Odia Literary Trail – Tracing the Journey of a Timeless Language
An exploration of Odia language, literature, and manuscripts through the Odisha State Archives, Odisha State Museum, and Kalabhoomi.

SBM Integration: The Swachh Bhasa Pledge weaves cleanliness into cultural pride — “Nirmal Bhubaneswar, Nirmal Bhasa.” SBM exhibits and QR-linked content share the city’s clean heritage story.

6. Culture, Craft & Conversations Trail – Cinema, Creativity & Culinary Heritage under the Stars
An open-air evening trail featuring classic Odia cinema, insights by veteran artists, and traditional food stalls (on purchase), merging art, nostalgia, and conversation.

SBM Integration: Under the Swachh Shilpi Initiative, artisans showcase upcycled art and sustainable materials, while food vendors promote hygiene and waste segregation — “Clean Art, Green Heart.”

7. Walk in Wilderness – Whispers of the Forest and Morning Mist
A refreshing morning walk around the serene Deras Dam inside Chandaka, exploring its ecological heritage, cave art, and elephant history.

SBM Integration: The Swachh Nature Pledge ensures a “Leave No Trace” experience, promoting refillable bottles, waste-free breakfast, and eco-responsible exploration.

8. Jungle Safari at Bharatpur – Into the Green Heart of Chandaka
An adventurous trail through Bharatpur inside Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary — a vibrant refuge for elephants, deer, and peacocks.

SBM Integration: The Swachh Van Pledge encourages zero-waste safaris and awareness on wildlife-friendly cleanliness habits — “Respect Wildlife, Preserve Cleanliness.”

9. Night Jungle Safari at Bharatpur – When the Forest Comes Alive After Dark
A moonlit exploration of Chandaka’s nocturnal world, where nature reveals its mysteries under the stars.

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Towards Responsible Tourism

With Ekamra Haat as the central hub, trained coordinators will guide each trail. SBM messages will be embedded across all materials, reinforcing the theme “Clean Heritage, Green Future.”