Bhubaneswar: Marking the fifth day of the ‘Odia Paksha’ celebrations, the Department of Sports and Youth Services, Government of Odisha, organized a mega Heritage Marathon in the historic Ekamra Kshetra of Bhubaneswar on Sunday.

The marathon was flagged off at 5:30 AM today from the iconic Mukteswar Temple, renowned for its exquisite Odishan architecture. The scenic route offered participants a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural tapestry, passing through key landmarks such as Rameswar Temple, Vivekananda Marg, Utkal Kanika Galleria Mall, Lewis Road, BJB College, and Rabi Talkies Square, before culminating at the historic Rajarani Temple.

Over 1,000 participants celebrate Odisha’s cultural legacy through heritage run

More than 1,000 participants, including athletes, youth, Divyangjan, and local residents, enthusiastically took part in the run. Senior officials and attendees collectively pledged to protect and promote Odisha’s rich heritage and monuments.

Winners felicitated; youth urged to preserve state’s rich heritage

In the competitive segment, Chandan Samal secured the first position, followed by Siddharth Kumar Mishra in second place and Vijay Agrawal in third. The winners were felicitated with medals, while all participants received recognition from the Department for their spirited involvement.

The event was graced by Bhubaneswar (Ekamra) MLA Babu Singh as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, he emphasized that the marathon transcends sport, serving as a meaningful initiative to reconnect the younger generation with their cultural roots. He underscored the importance of preserving ancient temples and monuments as symbols of Odia identity.

He also expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj for spearheading efforts to bridge the gap between youth and the state’s glorious heritage.

The event witnessed the presence of several distinguished guests, including Commissioner-cum-Secretary Bhupendra Singh Poonia, Additional Secretaries Ashok Kumar Panda and Bijay Kumar Swain. The occasion was further enriched by the participation of Olympian Anuradha Biswal and noted Odia film actress Sivani Sangita, adding both sporting and cultural prominence to the celebration.