In celebration of the 'Odia Pakhya' festivities, the Sports and Youth Services Department of Odisha organized the "Aitihya Ganadouda" heritage marathon in Bhubaneswar on Saturday. The event commenced near the historical Khandagiri Caves and concluded at Kalinga Studio Square, attracting hundreds of participants such as young people, culture lovers, and notable figures who enthusiastically took part in the run.

The marathon was inaugurated by Suryabanshi Suraj, who serves as the Sports and Youth Services Minister in Odisha, alongside former track and field athlete Anuradha Biswal and cyclist Minati Mohapatra. As stated in a press statement released by the Odisha Sports and Youth Services Department, the occasion featured vibrant cultural displays, enthusiastic engagement, and a strong feeling of cultural honor.

Emphasizing the importance of the event, Minister for Higher Education, Sports & Youth Services, as well as Odia Language, Literature & Culture, Suryabanshi Suraj stated, "'Odia Pakhya' was celebrated today with a Heritage Marathon organized throughout Odisha by the State’s Sports and Youth Department. This marathon traverses several historic locations within Odisha aiming to showcase our cultural legacy while fostering an understanding of preservation and cleanliness at these significant spots. Additionally, this race supports Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji's initiative towards Fit India and promotes health consciousness nationwide."

He further stated, “In addition to the Heritage Marathon, Odisha intends to engage with its 4.5 crore residents and motivate them to make fitness a part of their everyday routine, in line with Prime Minister Modi’s concept of a Fit India. The state plans to achieve this through various community engagement programs.”

On the fifth day of the Odia Pakhya festivities, the "Aitihya Ganadouda" events foster both physical well-being and communal harmony, paying an evocative homage to Odisha’s enduring legacy. The occasion was enriched with cultural displays, authentic Odia food offerings, and social interactions that brought vibrancy to the proceedings. Attendees posted pictures taken at the picturesque Khandagiri site onto the official Odia Pakhya webpage, thus commemorating the rich cultural identity of the area.

Today, Ekamra MLA Babu Singh, senior politician Priyadarshi Mishra, Shri Jagannath Pradhan, and acclaimed Odia film actor Sabyasachi Mishra were among those who added to the event’s vibrant atmosphere.

In an unprecedented step, the Odisha administration has declared the magnificent observance of 'Odia Pakhya' spanning from April 1, which marks Odisha Day, until April 14, representing the Odia New Year. Over these two weeks, numerous events will be organized throughout the state—from local blocks up to the statewide level—with the objective of fostering awareness about the Odia language, literature, traditions, and legacy. (ANI)