Bhubaneswar: The ancient stones of Khandagiri and Udaygiri echoed with footsteps and slogans Saturday as hundreds of people came together for ‘Aitihya Ganadouda‘ — a heritage-themed marathon organised by the sports and youth services department as part of the ongoing Odia Pakhya celebrations. More than just a run, the event served as a clarion call for protection and preservation of Odisha’s historical monuments and heritage sites.
Flagged off from the historic Khandagiri caves and ending at Kalinga Studio Square, the marathon aimed to raise awareness about the urgent need to conserve Odisha’s rich architectural and cultural legacy. The route itself, dotted with heritage landmarks, served as a reminder of the living history that surrounds the city.
Emphasising that heritage conservation must become a people’s movement, minister for sports and youth services and Odia language, literature and culture, Suryabanshi Suraj, said, “Our monuments are silent storytellers of our glorious past. It is our collective duty to protect these timeless treasures from neglect and encroachment. Events like Aitihya Ganadouda awaken that sense of responsibility among citizens,” he said.
Participants of all age groups not only ran for fitness but also carried placards calling for restoration and safeguarding of heritage sites. Cultural performances along the route and stalls offering traditional Odia cuisine added to the immersive experience, reinforcing the message that heritage is best preserved through community involvement and pride. The event encouraged participants to upload selfies and heritage facts to the official Odia Pakhya website, creating a digital archive celebrating Odisha’s rich legacy.
Among others, Ekamra-Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh, BJP members Priyadarshi Mishra, Jagannath Pradhan, and actor Sabyasachi Mishra took part in the run.
To mark statehood day, the state govt is organising fortnight-long events every day till April 14 — Odia New Year — with unique campaigns to promote and celebrate Odisha’s language, culture, heritage, cuisine, handloom and traditional practices.