Bhubaneswar: The Odia Literary Trail, curated under the Ekamra Walks initiative of the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), will be held every Sunday until February 2026, offering participants an immersive journey into Odisha’s linguistic and literary heritage. The weekly trail, scheduled from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, invites students, culture lovers, and residents to engage with the state’s storytelling traditions, folk arts, and scholarly perspectives.
This Sunday’s trail will feature the traditional “Sabar Sabaruni Nata”, performed by a folk ensemble from Boudh district. Known for its deep roots in tribal customs and oral traditions, the performance promises to offer a rich experience of Odisha’s indigenous cultural expressions.
The programme will also showcase a captivating storytelling session by a renowned professional storyteller, who will bring to life the classic tale ‘Nila Mastarani’ by Pandit Godabarisha Mohapatra. Her dramatic retelling aims to connect audiences with the emotional and imaginative depths of Odia literature.
Adding a scholarly dimension to the event, Dr. Debasish Mahapatra will deliver a lecture titled “The Chronological Development of Odia Script and Language.” His talk will trace the evolution of the Odia script and its linguistic journey, shedding light on its historical significance and enduring cultural value.
Officials from the Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department, which is partnering in the initiative, said that blending folk art, storytelling, and academic insights helps deepen public appreciation of the state’s cultural heritage and encourages stronger community involvement.
Those interested in joining the walk must register online at the Ekamra Walks website and report at Ekamra Haat before the trail begins. Organisers said the initiative continues to foster meaningful engagement with Odisha’s rich cultural traditions, providing an inclusive platform to celebrate language and literature in a lively public setting.
