Bhubaneswar, March 14: The pristine shores of Puri are set to host a three-day “Fit India Carnival” from March 21. This initiative aims to transform Puri beach into a premier hub for healthy lifestyle promotion and sports-based awareness.
Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj on Friday took stock of the preparations through video conferencing. Officials from Sports Authority of India (SAI), Puri District Administration, "MY Bharat," and NSS Odisha attended the meeting.
Being organised under the Fit India Mission by the SAI Regional Centre (Kolkata) and NCOE Jagatpur, the primary goal of this carnival is to integrate physical fitness into the daily routines of the general public. Given Puri’s status as a global heritage city, a massive turnout of participants is anticipated.
The Minister emphasised that the core objectives are extensive public outreach and safety. The carnival seeks to foster health awareness not just among the youth, but also among tourists and the general public. It is designed to be a community-driven movement, bringing together residents, students, and visitors to spread the message of wellness against the backdrop of the heritage city.
The event will showcase a unique blend of modern wellness practices and traditional Odia sports, Traditional Sports: Live competitions in Wrestling (Kusti) and Malkhamb; Wellness Sessions: Activities such as Chair Yoga and Laughter Yoga sessions; Cultural Integration: Awareness through Sand Art, and traditional folk arts like Gotipua and Sahi Jata and Youth Engagement: Participation from local schools, colleges, and tourists in every session.
To ensure smooth crowd management, the venue will be divided into dedicated Activity Zones. The Puri District Administration and Police will provide comprehensive security, including lifeguards, fire services, and first-aid facilities. Additionally, the popular mascot ‘Olly’ will be a major attraction at the event.
The meeting was attended by the Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Sports and Youth Services Department, Bhupendra Singh Poonia, Additional Secretary Bijay Swain, and other key departmental representatives.
