Puri is set to host Odisha’s first Fit India Carnival from March 15 to 17, marking the inaugural edition of the flagship event in the state as part of the nationwide Fit India Mission. The three day carnival aims to promote healthy and active lifestyles among people of all age groups while encouraging community participation in fitness and wellness activities.

The event is being jointly organised by the Sports Authority of India and the Odisha Sports and Youth Services Department. The initiative aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inspire citizens to adopt healthier lifestyles through regular physical activity and awareness about fitness.

In preparation for the carnival, a review meeting was held at the regional office of the Sports Authority of India in Kolkata under the chairmanship of Odisha Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj. During the meeting, the Minister assessed the arrangements and emphasised the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle to maintain both physical and mental well being. He stated that all administrative and logistical preparations have been made to ensure the successful organisation of the event.

The Minister also expressed confidence that residents of Puri district and people from across Odisha would actively participate in the carnival and help make it a memorable and impactful event. During his visit to the regional office, he held discussions with officials of the Sports Authority of India regarding the strengthening of sports infrastructure in the state. He also inspected the available facilities and interacted with athletes to understand their training environment and requirements.

The three day Fit India Carnival will bring together youth, women, senior citizens and volunteers from organisations such as the National Cadet Corps and the National Service Scheme along with members of self help groups and other community participants. The inclusive nature of the event is expected to encourage large scale public involvement and raise awareness about the importance of fitness in daily life.

Morning sessions during the carnival will be held at the scenic Puri beach and will feature yoga and pranayama practices along with walkathons and marathons. Participants will also be able to take part in various sporting activities including athletics, football, Zumba, aerobics and volleyball. Special zones such as a Kids Zone and a Women’s Wellness Zone will be established to create dedicated spaces for women and children to engage in fitness activities.

To promote both physical and mental well being, an AYUSH Wellness Centre will be set up during the event and group meditation sessions will also be organised for participants. These activities aim to highlight the importance of holistic health and encourage individuals to adopt balanced lifestyles that combine exercise with mental wellness.

The evenings will feature a vibrant mix of cultural and fitness related programmes. Visitors will witness performances of traditional art forms including the famous Gotipua and demonstrations of Mallakhamb along with a fitness themed fashion walk and several cultural performances. An open mic session will also be organised where participants can share their personal fitness journeys and inspiring stories.

Through a combination of sports, wellness activities and cultural showcases, the Fit India Carnival in Puri will celebrate Odisha’s rich heritage while encouraging citizens to embrace healthier lifestyles. The event is expected to become a major platform for promoting community fitness and strengthening the culture of sports and wellness across the state.