Bhubaneswar: The Government of Odisha has unveiled a new tourism tagline, “Think India, Think Odisha,” as part of a broader strategy to reposition the state as a global, experience-driven destination.
The announcement was made by the state’s Tourism Department on Wednesday, alongside the launch of the OMC Puri Coastal Marathon, a new international sporting event aimed at strengthening Odisha’s presence in sports and experiential tourism.
The launch event, held at Taj Resort & Spa in Puri, was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, MLAs Om Prakash Mishra, Ashrit Pattanayak and Sunil Kumar Mohanty, along with Tourism Commissioner-cum-Secretary Balwant Singh and other senior officials.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Chief Minister said the new branding reflects Odisha’s evolution into a high-performance tourism economy, driven by improved infrastructure, strategic promotion, and immersive visitor experiences. She noted that the tagline presents an aspirational identity, positioning Odisha as a gateway to experience India’s cultural, spiritual, and natural diversity.
The rebranding aligns with the state’s long-term development goals under Vision 2036 and Vision 2047, and marks a shift from Odisha being seen as an emerging destination to a globally competitive tourism hub.
The announcement was accompanied by the launch of the OMC Puri Coastal Marathon, which is scheduled to be held on December 13, 2026. With a prize pool exceeding ₹1 crore, the event is expected to attract elite athletes, amateur runners, and international participants.
Designed along Puri’s coastline, the marathon will offer a distinctive running experience, including a six-kilometre stretch on the beach’s golden sands. The event will feature multiple categories, including full marathon (42 km), half marathon (21 km), 10 km, and 5 km races, making it accessible to a wide range of participants.
Ahead of the official launch, a ceremonial run from Blue Flag Beach to the Taj Resort & Spa saw participation from fitness enthusiasts and local residents. The marathon logo was unveiled through a sand art installation by Padma Shri awardee Sudarshan Patnaik, incorporating elements such as the Patita Pavana Bana of the Jagannath Temple, the Konark Chakra, and the waves of the Bay of Bengal.
Officials said the marathon is part of a larger push to integrate sports with tourism and enhance Odisha’s global visibility. Registrations for the event have opened, with participants from India and abroad invited to take part.
