Fit India Carnival 2026 to Be Held in Puri from March 15

Bhubaneswar: The Fit India Carnival 2026 will be held in Puri district from March 15 to 17 through a joint initiative of the Sports Authority of India and the Department of Sports and Youth Services. The event aims to promote a healthy and active lifestyle among people under the Fit India Mission.

A review meeting on the preparations for the carnival was held at the regional office of the Sports Authority of India in Kolkata under the chairmanship of Odisha Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj. During the meeting, the minister assessed the arrangements and discussed plans to ensure the successful conduct of the three-day programme.

The carnival will see participation from youth, women, senior citizens, volunteers from the National Cadet Corps and National Service Scheme, self-help groups and members of various communities.

Several activities have been planned for the event. Morning sessions at Puri Beach will feature yoga, pranayama, walkathons, marathons and sports activities such as athletics, football, Zumba, aerobics and volleyball. Special attractions including a Kids’ Zone and a Women’s Wellness Zone will also be set up, along with an AYUSH Wellness Centre and group meditation sessions.

Evening programmes will include cultural and fitness-related events such as performances of traditional arts like Gotipua and Mallakhamb, a fitness fashion walk, cultural performances and an open mic session focusing on fitness stories.

Speaking on the occasion, Suraj said the carnival is being organised in Odisha for the first time under the Fit India Mission launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He emphasised that adopting a healthy lifestyle is essential for maintaining both physical and mental well-being and noted that the event will also showcase Odisha’s rich cultural heritage.

The minister said all administrative and logistical arrangements have been made for the successful conduct of the carnival and expressed hope that people from across Odisha will actively participate.

During the visit, Suraj also held discussions with officials of the Sports Authority of India on strengthening sports infrastructure in the state. He later inspected the facilities at the regional office and interacted with athletes. The meeting was attended by Regional Director (East) of SAI Shivanandan Mishra along with other senior officials.