Bhubaneswar: As Bhubaneswar gears up to host the prestigious 18th edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) 2025, the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) is set to enliven the city with the Ekamra Utsav, a cultural extravaganza running from January 5 to January 16, 2025. This festival promises to showcase Odisha’s rich heritage, art, and culinary traditions while fostering a spirit of community and celebration.
The Ekamra Utsav encompasses a diverse array of events, including the Park Utsav, Food Festival, City Lighting, Flea Market, and the culturally immersive Ekamra Walks. Here’s a glimpse into what visitors can expect:
Food Festival: A Gastronomic Delight
The Food Festival at IDCO Exhibition Ground will run throughout the festival, offering an extensive menu of Odia, North Indian, South Indian, and international cuisines. Food trucks serving flavorful dishes will complement the event, ensuring a culinary journey that satisfies all palates.
Park Utsav: A Celebration of Health and Culture
The Park Utsav, scheduled from January 5 to January 12, will breathe life into five of Bhubaneswar’s iconic parks: Madhusudan Park, Indira Gandhi Park, Buddha Park, Forest Park, and Abdul Kalam Park.
- Mornings (6:30 AM – 9:00 AM): Health enthusiasts can enjoy yoga, Zumba, and health talks.
- Evenings (3:30 PM – 6:30 PM): The parks will host Odisha’s folklore storytelling sessions, celebrity interactions, creative workshops, and live performances by budding artists.
Visitors can also relish authentic Odia delicacies and witness live demonstrations of traditional crafts by local artisans.
City Lighting: A Visual Spectacle
From January 5 to January 16, Bhubaneswar will sparkle under aesthetic decorative lighting along key streets and parks, including Janpath, Madhusudan Marg, and the roadways connecting iconic landmarks like AG Square, Kalpana Square, and Governor House Square.
Night Flea Market: A Shopper’s Paradise
Open daily from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM, the Night Flea Market will transform Bhubaneswar into a bustling hub of commerce and creativity. With stalls featuring trendy fashion, handcrafted home décor, organic products, and much more, the market is an unmissable attraction.
Live performances by singers, dancers, and college bands, along with comedy shows, will ensure an engaging and entertaining experience. Visitors can also attend artisan workshops showcasing Odisha’s renowned crafts, such as Pattachitra painting, Dhokra metal casting, and stone carving.
Ekamra Walks: A Heritage Trail
The Ekamra Walks, which began on December 25, 2024, offer a deep dive into Bhubaneswar’s history and traditions. Special trails from January 8 to January 10 will allow the Indian diaspora to reconnect with their roots through visits to ancient monuments and insights into Odisha’s artistic and spiritual legacy.
