Puri, Mar 10: The Sports and Youth Services Department of Odisha, in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India (SAI), will organise The Fit India Carnival–2026 in Puri district from March 15 to 17. The three-day event aims to promote a healthy and active lifestyle under the Fit India Mission launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj chaired a review meeting at the SAI regional office in Kolkata on Monday to assess preparations for the carnival. The programme will involve youth, women, senior citizens, National Cadet Corps (NCC) and National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers, self-help groups, and members of various communities.
Morning sessions at Puri beach will include yoga, pranayama, walkathons, marathons, and sporting events such as athletics, football, Zumba, aerobics, and volleyball. Special zones such as a Kids’ Zone and Women’s Wellness Zone will be set up to encourage participation by women and children. To promote overall well-being, an AYUSH Wellness Centre and group meditation sessions will also be organised.
Evening programmes will feature cultural and fitness-related activities, including performances of traditional arts like Gotipua dance and Mallakhamb, a fitness fashion walk, cultural performances, and an open mic session on fitness stories.
“For the first time in Odisha, the Fit India Carnival will be held in Puri. The event aims to create awareness about healthy lifestyles, promoting both physical and mental fitness. It will also showcase Odisha’s rich art and cultural heritage through cultural performances,” the Minister said.
All administrative and logistical arrangements for the carnival have been completed, and the Minister expressed hope that people from Puri and across Odisha will participate actively to make the event a success.
During the meeting, Minister Suraj also discussed strengthening sports infrastructure in Odisha with SAI officials. He later inspected the SAI regional office facilities and interacted with athletes. SAI Regional Director (East) Shivanandan Mishra and other senior officials attended the meeting.
