Shrestha Paul
Bhubaneswar, Oct 3: On the first day of public opening, the Khandagiri-Udayagiri Light and Sound Show saw visitors who got to know about it from Instagram posts. Ruchika, a government employee, came to the newly inaugurated show with her husband, expressing curiosity before it had started. When asked about a review, she said that apart from the lighting arrangement and intensity, there were no problems to be pointed out. “The flow of the story was good, I quite liked it”, she said.
Sushree, a student from KIIT, got to know about the show from the Instagram page named “My Bhubaneswar”. When asked about her review, she said, “I came from far away and I faced online booking issues.” She mentioned that the colour contrast should be improved for better visibility and experience. Amit Kumar Patnaik from Suryanagar said that he came to know about the show from news while DebendraParida, a local shop owner, shared that he enjoyed watching the show.
The immersive Khandagiri-Udayagiri Light and Sound Show was formally inaugurated on September 27 by PravatiParida, Deputy Chief Minister, Women & Child Development, Mission Shakti and Tourism.
Developed by the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) and Department of Tourism, the initiative aims to develop better experiences for tourists visiting Khandagiri- Udayagiri caves by combining storytelling,light, sound and modern technology. The programme showcases rock-cut caves, sculptures and inscriptions in an audio-visual narrative, highlighting historical and cultural roots of the site.
The total cost of developing the Light and Sound show was INR 4.4Cr and has a maximum capacity of seating 120 people. When asked about the expected outcome of the newly launched show, an official from the Tourism Department said, “As the show opens for general people on September 29, they will spend more time exploring the heritage site. Earlier, it closed by 6pm and now it will be bustling with visitors for longer hours."
The caves located 7km from Bhubaneswar was built around 2nd century BC by King Kharavela of Meghavahana dynasty, widely regarded as the most powerful king in the history of Odisha. The Light & Sound Show will help provide visitors with a more engaging way to understand and experience the historical significance of Khandagiri and Udayagiri, Deputy CM Parida said.
However, on the first day of opening to the public, the footfall wasn’t close to what was anticipated and many visitors faced online booking issues. The response will gradually improve as more people are aware of the timings and the significance of the program, the tourism department official said.
Timings, tickets, booking
The show will be presented twice every evening in both Odia and English, with each presentation lasting approximately 16 minutes and seven seconds. The two daily show slots are from 7pm to 7:35 pm and 7:45 pm to 8:20 pm. Visitors can book tickets online through the Odisha Tourism ticketing portal,www.bookodisha.com for INR 50 per person.
Where else to experience Odisha’s history in light and sound
Dhauli Shanti Stupa
The show uses 3D projection mapping to narrate the story of the Kalinga War, Emperor Ashoka’s remorse and his subsequent embrace of Buddhism.
Konark Sun Temple
The experience combines laser projections, open-air audio and storytelling to take visitors through the history and architectural legacy of the Konark Sun Temple.
Bindusagar
The laser show traces the history of EkamraKshetra and Bindusagar. It tells the story of Odisha through lights, music and colours.
Odisha State Museum
The museum’s light and sound presentation offers visitors an audio-visual introduction to Odisha’s history and heritage through a combination of narration, visuals and technology.
