Odisha Unveils New Tourism Tagline ‘Think India, Think Odisha’

Bhubaneswar: Aiming to reposition itself on the global tourism map, the Odisha government on Tuesday unveiled a new brand identity and tagline—“Think India, Think Odisha”—signalling a strategic shift towards promoting the state as a vibrant, experience-driven destination.

The initiative, led by the Odisha Department of Tourism, aligns with the broader vision of Samrudh Odisha 2036 and Vikshit Bharat 2047, reflecting the state’s ambition to evolve from a lesser-explored destination into a globally competitive tourism hub.

The new branding was launched alongside the announcement of the OMC Puri Coastal Marathon, a first-of-its-kind international sporting event aimed at boosting sports and experiential tourism. The event was held at Taj Resort and Spa Puri in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, MLAs Om Prakash Mishra, Ashrit Pattanayak, and Sunil Kumar Mohanty, along with Tourism Commissioner-cum-Secretary Balwant Singh and other senior officials.

Addressing the gathering, Parida said Odisha is steadily emerging as a high-performance tourism economy, driven by improved infrastructure, strategic branding, and immersive visitor experiences. She noted that the new tagline reflects a bold identity that invites global travellers to experience India through Odisha’s unique blend of culture, spirituality, and natural beauty.

The launch event began with a ceremonial run from Blue Flag Beach Puri to the venue, drawing enthusiastic participation from locals and fitness enthusiasts. A sand art installation by noted artist Sudarshan Patnaik unveiled the official marathon logo, inspired by iconic elements such as the Jagannath Temple, the Konark Chakra, and the Bay of Bengal’s waves.

The inaugural edition of the OMC Puri Coastal Marathon is scheduled for December 13, 2026, with a prize pool exceeding ₹1 crore. Designed to attract elite and amateur runners from across the globe, the marathon will offer multiple race categories, including 42 km, 21 km, 10 km, and 5 km runs. A unique highlight will be a 6-km stretch along Puri’s golden coastline.

Officials said the marathon is expected to position Puri as a major destination for sports tourism, complementing its global reputation as a spiritual hub anchored by the Jagannath Temple.

The official marathon website was also launched, with registrations now open for participants from India and abroad.

Authorities believe the combined push of strategic branding and global events will significantly enhance Odisha’s tourism appeal, showcasing its heritage, coastline, and cultural richness to a wider international audience.