Ekamra Anubhav 2.0 Introduces Immersive Heritage Engagement in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: ParibhaAsha HeritEdge Lab has launched Ekamra Anubhav 2.0, a reimagined edition of its heritage engagement initiative set within the historic landscape of Ekamra Kshetra. Originally conceptualised in 2022, the new format shifts from conventional heritage walks to a more structured, participant-driven experience.

Moving away from multi-site walkthroughs, the programme focused on a single temple site, allowing participants to spend extended time observing architectural features, decoding iconography, and collectively interpreting the space. The session encouraged active participation through discussions, questions, and shared observations, promoting a deeper understanding of heritage.

A specially designed activity booklet anchored the experience, guiding participants through structured prompts that encouraged inquiry into historical context, spatial design, and artistic elements, while leaving room for individual interpretation.

A key highlight was the unveiling of the cover of the second edition of the Paricharchā Quarterly Journal in the presence of Anil Dhir, Dr. Adyasha Das, and Satya Patnaik. The INTACH extended its support for future editions, reflecting growing institutional recognition of such formats.

The programme also included a cinema interaction with the team behind the upcoming Odia film Bindusagar and an interactive palm leaf etching session, where participants engaged closely with the artist and even attempted the craft themselves.

“We wanted to move heritage engagement from passive listening to active exploration. The response shows that participants are keen to engage deeply and build their own interpretations,” said Soumyaranjan Sahoo, Founder of ParibhaAsha HeritEdge Lab.

The initiative, piloted under the Anubhav framework, aims to develop more participatory and immersive heritage experiences in the future.