Bhubaneswar, a miniature Odisha, blends heritage and modernity with immense tourism potential.
Bibhuti Bhusan Barik
Though I was born in a small town Baripada, far away from the State Capital and in the heart of Mayurbhanj and the land of Similipal, Odisha’s one of the most thriving and sought after tiger reserve and a region of endless tourism potentials, my workplace and heritage treasure-trove Bhubaneswar is where my heart is.
To me, it’s certain that as the city represents a mini Odisha, many things could be done to attract more and more people to this historic city, which was once an epicenter of Buddhism and for here from the banks of sacred Daya river and the Dhauli valley the essence of Buddhism spread to the other parts of the globe, especially through the South East Asian and Sri Lankan routes.
This would, in a way might bolster the positioning of the city in the tourism map of the region and the nation as our city has all the elements of three major religions and their sites/destinations – Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism and becoming a World Heritage City for its pan world influence and spreading the message of harmony, love and humanity from the battlegrounds of Kalinga War.
As a journalist and writer in the field of heritage, culture, tourism, handlooms, craft, and literature, I think three small and urgent steps by the authorities concerned would make Bhubaneswar shine again and create a unique branding for the city as a distinguished tourism destination. Here I will try to describe them briefly, and I am sure, if deep thoughts were given to nurture them with meticulous and detailed planning, things would always be in Bhubaneswar’s favour, and to see the tourism industry grow into a huge potential in the future.
A giant statue of Gautam Buddha on the bank of the river Daya, just opposite the Peace Pagoda of Dhauli, could increase the tourism potential of the Dhauli Peace Pagoda, which was developed way back in 1971 as a joint venture between the Japan Buddha Sangha and Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangha.
As the place has got such significance in the history, Buddhism and archaeology, and the history of Odisha and the region, this new statue with Kalingan style of architecture and preferably with stone would work as a beautiful tribute to Bhagwan Buddha and Odisha’s association with Buddhism as a whole. As per recorded history, Odisha was an epicenter of Buddhism and the Diamond Triangle, representing Ratnagiri, Lalitagiri, and Langud, which was a prime educational cluster to spread Buddhism and could be another Nalanda-like educational hub for Buddhist studies in the past.
The land parcel on which the huge statue will be placed could be connected with a beautiful bridge, and probably a hanging type or with modern technology, but look-wise pagoda type representing the South East Asian elements in architecture as Goutam Buddha belongs to the entire world and has with deep-rooted follower base in the Asian region. The design should also include all the NMT elements and make the way only for pedestrians, and no permission must be accorded to any vehicular entry.
A viewpoint tower/platform atop the Niladrivihar Hill Top will add to the tapping of tourism potential and also add to a signature place in the heart of the city, as the State Capital has not a single viewpoint to view the ever-growing city. The viewpoint at one of the highest points in the city will provide visitors a new experience in seeing the city and also help the authorities position the adjacent Buddha Jayanti Park, also as a destination, as the hill is adjacent to the beautiful park.
A performing art and craft centre representing all 30 districts of the State with all their art, craft, handloom, metal, stone and other items could be developed in one place with studios attached to a small display area in the locality with a beautiful landscape could give a tourist/visitor a taste of Odisha and the 30 structures (duplexes for 30 districts).
This unique place on the outskirts of the State Capital, with all amenities and, if possible, with tribal cottages for short stay for tourists, would add to the brand making of the city and push the elements for tourism development in an integrated approach. This centre with live demonstration of artists/artisans will make the tourists feel like visiting a “Mini Odisha” as all its 30 districts could be adequately represented along with their culturally rich traditions and crafts.
Along with the above three suggestions, the regular rounds of heritage walks, nature trails, cultural trails, and enriching the museums across the city will also help in developing a niche segment as they all will contribute on their own rights for the development of tourism in the State Capital.
If we can go for an integrated approach to promote heritage in a big way and especially Ekamra Kshetra (the old name of Bhubaneswar) with its unique culture and traditions and the temples, food and age-old traditions then the visitors will be delighted to be lost in the charm of the Old City and its heritage-centirc environment and want to explore their destinations.
Places to explore the old world charm of Bhubaneswar and especially new areas like Gangotri Nager along the Samantarapur and Lingipur Road with artisans and artists, many of them are National Award winners with their wonderful work in stone carving, pattachitra making and the place like Uttara with its metal crafts will make the city a special place to explore for the visitors and travelers, who want to see the city in a different perspective. Apart from the Government owned museums and centers places like Surashan Art and Crafts Village, a centre by Padma Bibhusan awardee Sudarshan Sahoo and bell metal craft collector Sudarshan Sahoo, a former banker who has created Gopinath Heritage Metal Craft Museum could also be included in the list for people to explore and experience for a new-age experience in Bhubaneswar.
(Bibhuti Bhusan Barik is a Writer , Heritage & Conservation Enthusiast)
