Bhubaneswar, Sept 27: The much-awaited light and sound show at the historic Khandagiri-Udayagiri caves will begin today, coinciding with World Tourism Day. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida is scheduled to inaugurate the show.
Khandagiri and Udayagiri are among Odisha’s prominent tourist destinations, attracting visitors from across the country and abroad. The introduction of the light and sound show is expected to offer tourists an immersive account of the region’s history, including the legacy of the great ruler Kharavela and the history and traditions of Jainism.
The project is part of a broader development plan for the tourist destination. During discussions held in August 2025, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida had discussed the proposed development project and issues concerning the tourism site with the Election Commission of India (ECI).
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As part of the development and visitor-safety measures, barricades will be installed around the tourist site. Facilities including toilets, drinking water and parking will also be developed at the foothills of the caves.
The light and sound show will feature high-quality lighting and a digital guide system. The show will be presented in Odia, English and Bengali, allowing visitors from different regions to experience the historical narrative in multiple languages.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Odisha government and the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) in 2025 for the project. The required machines for the show have been installed, while the control room, software and hardware-related works have been completed.
An e-toilet is also being constructed near Rani Gumpha, also known as the Queen’s Cave. Other infrastructure and development works associated with the project have reportedly been completed.
The new attraction is expected to add a new dimension to the Khandagiri-Udayagiri tourism experience, combining the historical significance of the caves with modern audio-visual technology.
