\nBMC Mayor Sulochana Das and BDA Vice-Chairman Chanchal Rana jointly flagged off the special edition of the walk from Janata Maidan, the venue of the IRC. Senior officials of both BDA and BMC were present on the occasion.
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\nThis year\u2019s edition of Ekamra Walks offers visiting delegates and residents an immersive opportunity to experience the essence of Bhubaneswar through curated heritage, cultural, and nature-based trails \u2014 blending spirituality, art, ecology, and civic responsibility.
\nFollowing the special IRC edition, the regular trails will commence from November 15, 2025, and continue till February 28, 2026.
\nSpeaking on the occasion, BMC Mayor Sulochana Das said, \u201cThe Indian Road Congress, held here in Bhubaneswar alongside the launch of Ekamra Walks, has created a golden opportunity for our city. Visitors attending the event will get a glimpse of Bhubaneswar\u2019s rich heritage, art, and cultural legacy, which will, in turn, attract more tourists to our capital.\u201d
\nBDA Vice-Chairman Chanchal Rana added, \u201cThis year, coinciding with the Indian Road Congress, we are delighted to inaugurate the 9th edition of Ekamra Walks on a grand scale. Delegates and visitors from across India and abroad will have the opportunity to experience Bhubaneswar\u2019s heritage, culture, nature, spirituality, art, and architecture up close. The newly introduced nine thematic trails have been specially designed to align with the Swachh Bharat Mission, serving as interactive platforms that showcase how cleanliness and civic responsibility are being integrated into the city\u2019s tourism and heritage sites.\u201d
\nEach of the nine thematic trails integrates a Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) communication objective under BMC\u2019s outreach initiative, turning the walks into live platforms of civic pride and behavioural change. Participants will take Cleanliness Pledges, receive SBM information kits, and engage in waste-free practices, reinforcing the message of \u201cClean Heritage, Green Future.\u201d
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\nThe Nine Trails of Ekamra Walks 2025\u20132026
\n1. Ekamra Heritage Walk \u2013 Tracing the Timeless Temples of Ekamra Kshetra
\nA guided tour through the sacred Ekamra Kshetra, covering Parasurameswar, Mukteswar, Ananta Basudeva, and Lingaraj Temples \u2014 a living gallery of Kalingan architecture.
\nSBM Integration: Participants begin with a Clean Heritage Pledge, linking temple purity with public cleanliness. Waste segregation and litter-free principles are reinforced through heritage storytelling.
\n2. Dhauli Peace Walk \u2013 From War to Wisdom
\nA reflective journey tracing Emperor Ashoka\u2019s transformation after the Kalinga War, through the Ashokan Rock Edicts and Shanti Stupa at Dhauli.
\nSBM Integration: Participants take the Swachh Shanti Oath\u2014\u201cClean Surroundings, Clear Mind\u201d\u2014aligning peace with responsibility for clean public spaces.
\n3. Spiritual Sojourn \u2013 Faiths in Harmony
\nAn exploration of Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, Rajarani, and Bhaskareswar Temples, celebrating the confluence of Jainism, Buddhism, and Hinduism.
\nSBM Integration: The walk begins with a Swachh Faith Pledge, highlighting spiritual purity through clean temple precincts, refill stations, and zero-litter rituals.
\n4. Mystical Odyssey \u2013 Where the Divine Feminine Reigns
\nA deep dive into Bhubaneswar\u2019s Shakti traditions through Baitala Deula, Chitrakarini, and Chausathi Yogini Temples \u2014 shrines dedicated to the Goddess in her myriad forms.
\nSBM Integration: The Swachh Shakti Message connects divine femininity with environmental stewardship \u2014 \u201cPure Goddess, Pure Earth.\u201d Participants commit to waste-free practices and reusable kits.
\n5. Odia Literary Trail \u2013 Tracing the Journey of a Timeless Language
\nAn exploration of Odia language, literature, and manuscripts through the Odisha State Archives, Odisha State Museum, and Kalabhoomi.
\nSBM Integration: The Swachh Bhasa Pledge weaves cleanliness into cultural pride \u2014 \u201cNirmal Bhubaneswar, Nirmal Bhasa.\u201d SBM exhibits and QR-linked content share the city\u2019s clean heritage story.
\n6. Culture, Craft & Conversations Trail \u2013 Cinema, Creativity & Culinary Heritage under the Stars
\nAn open-air evening trail featuring classic Odia cinema, insights by veteran artists, and traditional food stalls (on purchase), merging art, nostalgia, and conversation.
\nSBM Integration: Under the Swachh Shilpi Initiative, artisans showcase upcycled art and sustainable materials, while food vendors promote hygiene and waste segregation \u2014 \u201cClean Art, Green Heart.\u201d
\n7. Walk in Wilderness \u2013 Whispers of the Forest and Morning Mist
\nA refreshing morning walk around the serene Deras Dam inside Chandaka, exploring its ecological heritage, cave art, and elephant history.
\nSBM Integration: The Swachh Nature Pledge ensures a \u201cLeave No Trace\u201d experience, promoting refillable bottles, waste-free breakfast, and eco-responsible exploration.
\n8. Jungle Safari at Bharatpur \u2013 Into the Green Heart of Chandaka
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\nAn adventurous trail through Bharatpur inside Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary \u2014 a vibrant refuge for elephants, deer, and peacocks.
\nSBM Integration: The Swachh Van Pledge encourages zero-waste safaris and awareness on wildlife-friendly cleanliness habits \u2014 \u201cRespect Wildlife, Preserve Cleanliness.\u201d
\n9. Night Jungle Safari at Bharatpur \u2013 When the Forest Comes Alive After Dark
\nA moonlit exploration of Chandaka\u2019s nocturnal world, where nature reveals its mysteries under the stars.
\nSwachh Bharat Mission (SBM) Integration
\nThe Swachh Night Pledge promotes \u201cClean Light, Green Night,\u201d emphasizing minimal light pollution, silent conduct, and waste-free experiences. A Step Towards Clean Heritage and Responsible Tourism
\n\u2018Ekamra Walks has evolved into a citizen-driven movement that celebrates Bhubaneswar\u2019s heritage and ecology. With Swachh Bharat Mission integration, the 2025\u201326 edition links cultural pride with civic responsibility \u2014 inspiring participants to become \u2018Swachh Heritage Ambassadors\u2019 for the city.\u2019
\nWith Ekamra Haat as the central starting point, each walk is guided by trained coordinators and volunteers. SBM messages will be featured in all collaterals, from flyers and paper bags to digital promotions and signage at walk venues.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"