Bhubaneswar: Get ready to revel in festivities as the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) is all set to bring the second edition of Ekamra Utsav, a festival of food and culture, to the city.
Coinciding with the forthcoming Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas-2025, the festivities will commence on Jan 4, 2025 and continue till Jan 16, 2025. There will be myriad activities such as a flea market, dance and musical performances, magic shows, and cultural events.
To make it extra big and beautiful, the BDA has decided to illuminate various road stretches and flyovers with bright lights. The Park Utsav will include storytelling, art and craft workshops, and exhibitions.
The authorities are also planning to make the food festival a bit more special this time, with invitations likely to be sent to districts to bring culinary specialists to them. There will be special food trucks representing different districts, officials said.
The BDA has decided to hire an event management agency, which will curate the festival. “We have listed some activities that will be organised as part of Ekamra Utsav. The agency will curate the festival and will also add more if needed,” a BDA spokesperson said.
The BDA, in its tender inviting the agency, mentioned that it will curate and develop a conceptual plan, layout plans, working drawings, and execute the event with respect to implementation, logistics, branding, and citizen connect campaign in a holistic manner.
In Jan this year, the BDA organised the first edition of Ekamra Utsav. It was then organised on the sidelines of the “Biswa Odia Bhasha Sammilani”. The festival celebrated Odia language and culture while showcasing the cultural richness of the state.
A number of cultural events inviting singers, composers, and dancers of national and international repute were organised for an event called DotFest. BDA insiders said this time, however, the DotFest is likely to be dropped from the mega event.
“Bhubaneswar seems a happening city when such festivals are organised. It is a moment when we go out, enjoy, and spend quality time with our family and friends. I am excited for the next edition of Ekamra Utsav,” said Sonal Panda, a resident of Nayapalli.