Latest news with #BaliYatra
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Time of India
Call for global promotion of Odia culture
Bhubaneswar: Following the recent unveiling of the Odisha Vision document, Odias living abroad have suggested that the state enhance promotion of heritage, tribal, temple and nature tourism to attract more international visitors. "Odisha Tourism should partner with foreign agencies to promote such tourism," said Akshaya Mahanty, a businessman from Rhode Island, US. They proposed leveraging Odias living in cities like London, New York, Bali, Bangkok, Sydney and Singapore to promote Odisha's culture and art forms. "Partnering with Indian embassies and diaspora communities can help identify and engage global influencers to authentically promote Rath Yatra, Bali Yatra, Dhanu Yatra and Khandagiri Mela abroad," said Saurav Choudhury, an IT professional in North Carolina, US. The Odia diaspora advocated for positioning the festivals as immersive cultural experiences rather than solely religious events. "Digital campaigns and documentaries on social media and OTT platforms, experiences through different apps will give foreigners a taste of our festivals before they visit," said Gayatri Panigrahi, a homemaker from the UK. They also recommended curated tourism packages, cultural camps and inviting foreigners to do crash courses in Odissi during winter months as well as yoga classes and beach huts to promote Odisha. "Safe and dedicated walking and bicycle lanes, particularly from Bhubaneswar to Puri, would attract European tourists, who enjoy walking and cycling," said Choudhury Rudra Charan Mohanty, environment programme coordinator, UN Centre for Regional Development. He further suggested the govt should explore the possibility of getting all significant festivals recognised by Unesco as 'Intangible Cultural Heritage', which would add to their prestige and draw international attention. Aditya Singh, a UK-based doctor, said important dates related to Rath Yatra, Bali Yatra, Dhanu Yatra and Khandagiri Mela should be announced well in advance for foreign tourists to plan their visits. "A small premium may be charged from people for VIP access to the festivals. Good quality accommodation and buses with guides should be arranged," he added.
Time of India
31-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
State approves personal ledger account and issues guidelines for Odia Asmita corpus fund management
1 2 3 Bhubaneswar: In a bid to ensure smooth management of finances allocated under the Odia Asmita corpus fund, state govt has approved the opening of a separate personal ledger account and issued detailed guidelines in this regard. According to the notification issued by the Odia language, literature and culture department, the corpus or special fund of Rs 200 crore meant to revive Odia Asmita (Odia identity) will be utilised to set up an Odia Asmita Bhawan, Odia Translation Academy and more. "Reviving Odia Asmita and advancing the state's art, architecture, culture and legacy are the govt's top priorities. During the second cabinet meeting held on July 10, 2024, it was decided to create a Rs 200 crore special fund for Odia Asmita," read the notification. It said the fund will be utilised to establish a world-class palm leaf manuscript museum, develop the Paika rebellion memorial, give Bali Yatra international status and support the Kalakar Gourav Nidhi Yojana. The fund will further be utilised for providing financial assistance for Odissi dance and music training, setting up an Odia chair in national and international universities, setting up an e-library at the district level and developing a cultural troupe management system. The notification said the fund named 'Corpus Fund for Odia Asmita' shall be constituted and the interest generated from the fund will be utilised for various initiatives promoting Odia culture, language and heritage. Regarding the interest amount, the guidelines stated the state govt will provide interest on the deposit at par with the bank rate notified by RBI from time to time. and the interest will be credited to the personal ledger account at the end of each quarter by the 10th of the successive month. On deposit, the guidelines said that a designated deposit account in the public account of the state shall be opened in the district treasury of Khurda and a personal ledger account shall be opened in favour of the chairman of the Odia Asmita fund management committee. "The corpus fund of Rs 200 crore will remain intact under the deposit account head, and the interest accrued on the funds shall be deposited into the personal ledger account," read the guidelines for management of funds. The govt also formed a fund management committee comprising officials from the Odia language, literature and culture, finance, ST and SC development, information and public relations and law departments.
