Bhubaneswar: A three-day celebration beginning from June 26 to 28 has been organised for Bhumi Pujan ceremony for EKAMRA Kshetra. This was informed during a press meet by Vice-Chairman of BDA Balwant Singh on Sunday.
The Bhumi Pujan will commence on the evening of June 26 at 7:30PM with Yagna rituals and will continue till June 28 and will be live streamed on various television channels and social media networks. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik along with other dignitaries is scheduled to grace the foundation stone laying ceremony of the project slated for June 28 morning.
The Lingaraj Tenmple, Ananta Basudeva, MukteswarTemple, Bindu Sagar, and other smaller temples will be adorned with soft illuminations.
Additionally, visitors will have the opportunity to witness captivating sky projections, light and sound show, dance performances at the BMC Market Complex from June 26 to June 28.
An exhibition featuring a project model and information displays to enlighten visitors about the endeavors taking place withinEkamra Kshetra will be held.
Renowned artists such as Hariharan Anantha Subramani, Abhilipsa Panda, Ananda Nanda, Nilandri Kumar, and other esteemed singers will perform Bhajans on the evening of June 27 and 28. The Ekamra Prakalp, also known as the Ekamra Kshetra Amenities and Monuments Revival Action plan, was launched by the Odisha Government in 2019.
With an allocated area of 80acres around the revered ShriLingaraj Temple, including various monuments, holy tanks, andwater bodies, the project aims to recreate the magnificence of this ancient heritage precinct.
The Phase-l development,will encompass key highlights such as the restoration of Ekamra Kshetra’s architectural and archaeological heritage.
A 12 18 meter wide mixed traffic lane will be implemented, alongside 4-10 meter wide shaded walkwaysto ensure smooth pedestrian flow. Parking facilities will be relocated to the outer periphery of Ekamra Kshetrato alleviate congestion.
Interconnected landscaped open spaces will be created, providing safe gathering areas for devotees, while a 300 sq meter temple facility willbe constructed for the convenience of pilgrims.
Additionally, a 1,600 sq meter Information & Control Centre will be developed to cater to emergency services. A dedicated pedestrian path around Bindusagar will be constructed to facilitate easy access to ritual spaces and Ekarnra Van.
It seeks to provIde a harmonious blendof modern amenities and the preservation of cultural heritage, ensuring a transformative experience for visitors and devotees alike. The Odisha Bridge Construction Corporation (0BCC) has been trusted with executing the project, and the tender has been finalized, with works scheduled to conmmence soon.
Among others, BMC Commissioner Vijay Amruta Kulange, Khurda Collector K Sudarshan Chakravarthy, Bhubaneswar DCP Prateek Singh and MD of OBCC JK Das were present.
