Bhubaneswar: The State Government is in the final stages of preparation to host three-day long Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to be held here at Janata Maidan from January 8.
With more than 3,500 overseas Indians expected to attend, the State Government is working tirelessly to ensure a seamless and memorable experience for all participants.
Traditional Odisha wall paintings now adorn the streets, while roadsides and public areas have been meticulously cleaned and beautified. Both sides of the major roads in the capital city have been decked up with colourful lights.
Iron barricades have been put up on both sides of the roads leading to Janata Maidan, the venue where the mage event will be held.
Bhubaneswar is organising the flagship event for the first time for its 2025 edition. The city civic authority along with key departments of the state government has planned several events coinciding with the conclave such as Night Flea market, Adivasi Fair & and a Food Festival.
To provide a unique cultural experience, the city will host a food festival and tribal fair at the exhibition grounds, offering guests a taste of traditional Odia cuisine.
Additionally, special arrangements have been made to transport NRIs to Puri in newly introduced double-decker buses for a spiritual visit to the Jagannath temple, where they will enjoy Jagannath ‘darshan’ and partake in the temple’s sacred offerings, the officials said.
Teams from the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), and other departments are working round the clock to ensure the city is ready to host this prestigious event.
Speaking to media persons, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja said the convention will be attended by the President, the Prime Minister, the External Affairs Minister and several Central Ministers will also be present for it.
“Around 3,500 Pravasi Bharatiyas have registered in this. There are plenary sessions and we will have plenary sessions with the Tourism Department and the Industry Department. We will also have cultural activities organised by both the State government and Centre,” he said.
It is an opportunity to showcase Odisha because people from around the world will come here. “We will be able to tell everyone about the culture, tourism and the industries of Odisha,” he said.
Shri Ahuja further said that the event serves as an opportunity for the state to give a good experience to the visitors which will in turn help create positive feedback that will be shared with the rest once the visitors go back.
Speaking to media persons, Principal Secretary, Industries, Hemant Sharma said, “The preparation for Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas is going on in full swing. Almost 80% of the physical installation work is complete and most of the other soft works like the installation of sound system, light system and other soft furnishings for VIP lounges…that are getting ready.”
Target is to complete the entire work by the 7th morning so that the dress rehearsals and others could happen on the 7th, he said.
Apart from different sessions, a special session on Investment Odisha will be held at a private hotel on January 8, informed Shri Sharma.
As per schedule, the convention will kick off with the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on January 8. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on the second day. The convention will culminate with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awards ceremony on the third day, which will be graced by President Droupadi Murmu.