Bhubaneswar: The Department of Sports and Youth Services has organised a mega Heritage Marathon on the fifth day of the ‘Odia Paksha’ celebrations in the historic Ekamra Kshetra of Bhubaneswar.
The run began at 5:30 AM from Mukteswar Temple, a landmark of Odishan architecture. The route highlighted the city’s cultural heritage as participants moved past Rameswar Temple, Vivekananda Marg, Utkal Kanika Galleria Mall, Lewis Road, BJB College, and Rabi Talkies Square. The marathon concluded at Rajarani Temple.
More than a thousand participants joined the run. The group included athletes, youth, Divyangjan, and residents.
Participants took a collective pledge to protect and promote Odisha’s heritage and monuments.
The organisers felicitated the winners and awarded medals. The Department also distributed medals to all participants to recognise their involvement.
Babu Singh, MLA of Ekamra, attended the event as the chief guest. He said the marathon aimed to connect the younger generation with their roots.
He stated that ancient temples and monuments represent Odia identity, and their preservation remains a moral responsibility. He also expressed gratitude to Mohan Charan Majhi and Suryabanshi Suraj for leading the initiative.
Senior officials from the department attended the event. Commissioner-cum-Secretary Bhupendra Singh Poonia was present along with Additional Secretaries Ashok Kumar Panda and Bijay Kumar Swain. Olympian Anuradha Biswal and Odia film actress Sivani Sangita also attended the programme.
