Bhubaneswar, Nov 7: The 9th edition of Ekamra Walks, an initiative of the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) in collaboration with the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), was launched today, coinciding with the Indian Road Congress (IRC) being held in the city.
BMC Mayor Sulochana Das and BDA Vice-Chairman Chanchal Rana jointly flagged off the special edition of the walk from Janata Maidan, the venue of the IRC.
This year’s edition of Ekamra Walks offers visiting delegates and residents an immersive opportunity to experience the essence of Bhubaneswar through curated heritage, cultural, and nature-based trails — blending spirituality, art, ecology, and civic responsibility.
Following the special IRC edition, the regular trails will commence from November 15, 2025, and continue till February 28, 2026.
Speaking on the occasion, BMC Mayor Sulochana Das said, “The Indian Road Congress, held here in Bhubaneswar alongside the launch of Ekamra Walks, has created a golden opportunity for our city. Visitors attending the event will get a glimpse of Bhubaneswar’s rich heritage, art, and cultural legacy, which will, in turn, attract more tourists to our capital.”
Each of the nine thematic trails integrates a Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) communication objective under BMC’s outreach initiative, turning the walks into live platforms of civic pride and behavioural change. Participants will take Cleanliness Pledges, receive SBM information kits, and engage in waste-free practices, reinforcing the message of “Clean Heritage, Green Future.”
Nine Trails of Ekamra Walks 2025–2026
1. Ekamra Heritage Walk – Tracing the Timeless Temples of Ekamra Kshetra
A guided tour through the sacred Ekamra Kshetra, covering Parasurameswar, Mukteswar, Ananta Basudeva, and Lingaraj Temples — a living gallery of Kalingan architecture.
2. Dhauli Peace Walk – From War to Wisdom
A reflective journey tracing Emperor Ashoka’s transformation after the Kalinga War, through the Ashokan Rock Edicts and Shanti Stupa at Dhauli.
3. Spiritual Sojourn – Faiths in Harmony
An exploration of Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, Rajarani, and Bhaskareswar Temples, celebrating the confluence of Jainism, Buddhism, and Hinduism.
4. Mystical Odyssey – Where the Divine Feminine Reigns
A deep dive into Bhubaneswar’s Shakti traditions through Baitala Deula, Chitrakarini, and Chausathi Yogini Temples — shrines dedicated to the Goddess in her myriad forms.
5. Odia Literary Trail – Tracing the Journey of a Timeless Language
An exploration of Odia language, literature, and manuscripts through the Odisha State Archives, Odisha State Museum, and Kalabhoomi.
6. Culture, Craft & Conversations Trail – Cinema, Creativity & Culinary Heritage under the Stars
An open-air evening trail featuring classic Odia cinema, insights by veteran artists, and traditional food stalls (on purchase), merging art, nostalgia, and conversation.
7. Walk in Wilderness – Whispers of the Forest and Morning Mist
A refreshing morning walk around the serene Deras Dam inside Chandaka, exploring its ecological heritage, cave art, and elephant history.
8. Jungle Safari at Bharatpur – Into the Green Heart of Chandaka
An adventurous trail through Bharatpur inside Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary — a vibrant refuge for elephants, deer, and peacocks.
9. Night Jungle Safari at Bharatpur – When the Forest Comes Alive After Dark
A moonlit exploration of Chandaka’s nocturnal world, where nature reveals its mysteries under the stars.
