Ekamra Walks Returns: Nine Trails Unite Heritage, Cleanliness, and Community Spirit

Bhubaneswar, Nov 7: The city’s much-loved heritage initiative, Ekamra Walks, made a grand return today with its 9th edition- carrying the message “Clean Heritage, Green Future.” Organized by the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) in collaboration with the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), this year’s edition was flagged off by BMC Mayor Sulochana Das and BDA Vice-Chairman Chanchal Rana at Janata Maidan, coinciding with the Indian Road Congress (IRC) in the city.

The 2025-26 edition introduces nine thematic trails blending Bhubaneswar’s heritage, ecology, spirituality, and art; each creatively integrated with the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) to promote civic pride and sustainable practices. Participants will take Cleanliness Pledges, receive eco-kits, and experience waste-free walks that turn tourism into a movement for responsible citizenship.

“These walks connect our city’s living heritage with public consciousness,” said Mayor Sulochana Das. “Visitors attending the IRC will experience the spirit of Bhubaneswar- its temples, traditions, and people.”

BDA Vice-Chairman Chanchal Rana added, “Through these nine thematic trails, we are linking spirituality, culture, and nature with civic responsibility- showing that clean surroundings are part of our shared heritage.”

From the Ekamra Heritage Walk tracing ancient temples to the Night Jungle Safari revealing Chandaka’s nocturnal beauty, each trail narrates a story of coexistence between culture and environment. The Culture, Craft & Conversations Trail brings cinema, cuisine, and art together under the stars, while the Walk in Wilderness and Jungle Safari offer nature-lovers a serene escape.

Regular trails will begin from November 15, 2025, and continue till February 28, 2026, starting from Ekamra Haat. Guided by trained coordinators and volunteers, every walk will feature SBM messages across materials, from paper bags to digital promotions.

What began as a weekend initiative to rediscover Bhubaneswar’s roots has now evolved into a citizen-driven celebration, where walking through history also means walking towards a cleaner, greener future.