Bhubaneswar is gearing up to welcome the much-loved Patha Utsav once again, with the open-street celebration scheduled to return in the last week of December. According to Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Chanchal Rana, preparations are in full swing to organise the event on one designated stretch across all three city zones. The festival will be held every Sunday from 7 am to 10 am, starting in late December and continuing through the first half of January.

The objective of Patha Utsav is to provide residents and visitors with an engaging outdoor experience during the pleasant winter mornings. The event will feature a vibrant mix of dance, music, painting, skating, fitness sessions, community interactions, and several recreational activities that encourage people to reclaim public spaces and celebrate community life. BMC aims to make Patha Utsav a recurring annual fixture—specifically the last Sunday of December and the first two Sundays of January—ensuring that each of the city’s three zones hosts the celebration separately.

In parallel with these preparations, the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has launched the 9th edition of the renowned Ekamra Walks, coinciding with the Indian Road Congress (IRC) held at Janata Maidan. This edition offers a diverse range of nine thematic trails designed to showcase the city’s rich cultural, spiritual, and natural heritage. Attractions include the Ekamra Heritage Walk through the ancient Ekamra Kshetra, the Dhauli Peace Walk chronicling Emperor Ashoka’s transformation after the Kalinga War, and trails such as the Spiritual Sojourn, Mystical Odyssey, and Odia Literary Trail.

Participants can also explore immersive experiences through the Culture Craft and Conversations Trail, Walk in Wilderness, and Jungle Safaris at Bharatpur, each offering unique insights into Bhubaneswar’s environment and traditions. The thematic trails further integrate awareness and communication objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission under BMC’s outreach programme, combining culture, cleanliness, and community engagement.

With Patha Utsav set to bring streets alive and Ekamra Walks adding depth to the city’s cultural calendar, Bhubaneswar is preparing for an enriching winter filled with celebration, heritage exploration, and civic participation.